Basic Trustworthy Meatloaf ๐
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 385.9
Description:
This Basic Trustworthy Meatloaf recipe has been tried and tested over years, incorporating minor variations but always resulting in a reliably delicious dish. The use of quick-cooking oats as a binder instead of traditional saltine cracker crumbs or bread crumbs adds a delightful twist to this classic recipe. It’s a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner, boasting an easy and inexpensive preparation process suitable for even beginner cooks.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside for later use.
-
-
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the optional barbecue sauce. For the best results, it’s recommended to use your hands for mixing to ensure even distribution of flavors.
-
Shape Meatloaf: Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, pack the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed and compacted.
-
Add Barbecue Sauce (Optional): If desired, spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Alternatively, you can use ketchup or omit this step altogether based on your preference.
-
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf until it is cooked through, which typically takes at least one hour. However, depending on your oven and desired level of doneness, you may choose to bake it for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
-
Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier. After resting, cut the meatloaf into slices and serve it warm.
Tips:
- Onions: Ensure that the onions are chopped finely to enhance the texture of the meatloaf.
- Ground Beef: Avoid using extra-lean ground beef, as it may result in a dry meatloaf. Opt for lean ground beef for a moist and flavorful outcome.
- Leftovers: Any leftover meatloaf makes for a delicious cold sandwich the next day, offering a convenient and tasty meal option.
This Basic Trustworthy Meatloaf recipe is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and straightforward preparation method, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy! ๐ฝ๏ธ
