Classic Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

When you think of comfort food, what pops into your mind? Is it the warm embrace of a classic meatloaf, fresh from the oven, its rich aroma wafting through the house like a cozy hug? The crispy edges, the tender middle, and that luscious glaze on top come together to create a dish that feels like home. Savory cranberry tartlets

Now imagine gathering around the dinner table with family or friends, laughter echoing as everyone digs into this delightful creation. Each bite takes you back to simpler times when life was all about good food and great company. Fall-inspired pumpkin cookies Classic meatloaf isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to unfold.

I remember one particular Sunday when I made this classic meatloaf for my family. The joy on their faces when they tasted it was priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose high-quality beef with some fat content for juiciness and flavor; 80/20 is ideal.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the meatloaf and provide texture.
• Eggs: Two large eggs will help hold everything together while adding moisture.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté it first for extra flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best for that aromatic punch; minced well before mixing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this sauce enhances umami flavors; don’t skip it!
• Ketchup: This sweet tangy topping not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful glaze.

For the Glaze:

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze on top of the meatloaf.
• Mustard: Just a bit of mustard brings a zesty kick to balance the sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute.

Mix Your Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, sautéed onions and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Garlic butter beef bites Mix until just combined without overworking the meat.

Shape Your Loaf: Transfer the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf about 2 inches thick for even cooking. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.

Create Your Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread this delicious mixture generously over your shaped meatloaf.

Bake Until Perfectly Cooked: Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Let rest before slicing to keep juices intact.

Enjoy each slice alongside mashed potatoes or steamed veggies while relishing in memories created around your dinner table! Classic meatloaf is truly more than just food—it’s love served on a plate! Creamy potato soup pairing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the ingredients thoroughly, then shape the meatloaf gently. Bake at 350°F for about an hour for juicy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding sautéed onions or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor. You can also try different glazes like BBQ or ketchup mixed with Worcestershire sauce.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain texture.

The first time I made classic meatloaf, my kids were skeptical, but their faces lit up when they took that first bite; now it’s a weekly request!

FAQ

How can I make my classic meatloaf more flavorful?

Add spices like garlic powder or fresh herbs to elevate the taste.

Can I freeze classic meatloaf?

Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly before freezing to preserve freshness.

What sides pair well with classic meatloaf?

For more inspiration, check out this delicious garlic butter green beans recipe.

Mashed potatoes and green beans are perfect companions for this comforting dish.

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Classic Meatloaf

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic meatloaf recipe! Juicy ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a sweet tangy glaze come together to create a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this meatloaf is not just a meal—it’s a nostalgic experience that brings everyone together around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tbsp mustard (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, sautéed onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet or loaf pan and shape it into a loaf about 2 inches thick.
5. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze. Spread it generously over the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Let rest before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 113g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or parsley into the meat mixture. Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for longer storage.