This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic, quick and simple to make with basic ingredients. “It is ideal for nights when you are busy or weekends when you feel lazy.” The result is a mouth-watering, protein-packed dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
A classic meatloaf recipe that brings the essence of home-cooked comfort to your table. The simplicity of this dish is its charm, making it a go-to option for busy nights or lazy weekends. The combination of ground beef, onions, and the flavorful sauce creates a protein-packed masterpiece that's bound to satisfy.
What is Meatloaf?
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has been eaten in homes around the world for generations. One of the reasons meatloaf is so popular is its versatility. You can customize it in countless ways to suit individual tastes and preferences. In addition to its delicious flavor, meatloaf is popular for its simplicity and affordability. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal. Meatloaf can be made with basic pantry staples and easily feeds a crowd. Plus, you can use leftovers in sandwiches, on salads, or even crumbled into pasta dishes for additional meals throughout the week.
How to Make Meatloaf
You will find a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below. Let’s review the basics:
Meatloaf Ingredients
To prepare this homemade meatloaf, you will only need a few simple ingredients.
- Ground Pork and Beef: These meats form the base of meatloaf, combining flavors and textures. The ground pork adds richness, while the ground beef adds a hearty flavor.
- Carrot, Celery, Onion, and Garlic: Add depth of flavor and moisture to meatloaf with these aromatic vegetables. They are finely chopped or ground to blend seamlessly with the meat mixture.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds subtle heat and a depth of flavor to the meatloaf. It helps to enhance the savory profile of the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is a condiment that adds complexity and umami to the meatloaf.
- Ketchup: In addition to adding a touch of sweetness, ketchup helps bind the ingredients together.
- Breadcrumbs: Bread crumbs serve as a binder in the meatloaf mixture, helping to hold everything together. They also add texture to the meat and absorb moisture, resulting in a tender meatloaf.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture to the meatloaf, helping to keep it tender and preventing it from drying out during the baking process.
- Cane Sugar: A small amount of cane sugar is added for flavor balance in the meatloaf.
- Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs add aromatic flavor to the meatloaf. Thyme provides a subtle earthiness, while rosemary adds a pine-like aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make a Meatloaf at Home
When making meatloaf from scratch, here’s what to expect:
- First, dice the onion and half of the celery and carrot, and chop the garlic into small cubes.
- Then, cut the rosemary.
- Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onion for 4-5 minutes over medium heat. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Then, add the rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
- To make the sauce: Heat ketchup in a saucepan. Add cane sugar, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
- In a bowl, mix the ground pork and beef, add the eggs, mustard, bread crumbs, and milk, and mix well.
- Next, add the sautéed vegetables, mix again, and season with salt and pepper.
- Place on a baking sheet, pour the sauce over the top and bake in a preheated oven at 338 degrees F (170 degrees C) for 25-35 minutes (depending on the size of the pan).
- Allow the meatloaf to cool and cut it into slices. Enjoy!
Chef Recipe Tips
- To make the ground meat elastic and have a nice appearance, it is necessary to knead it well by hand.
- It is advisable to enjoy the meatloaf cold.
- You can also add your favorite spices, such as paprika, coriander, and cumin.
How Long to Cook Meatloaf
In an oven preheated to 338 degrees F (170 degrees C), this classic meatloaf should be fully cooked in about 25-35 minutes. You will know that the meat is cooked properly when there is no pink color in the center.
What Temperature to Cook Meatloaf?
For a safe-to-eat meatloaf, use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness in the middle. It should reach 160°F.
What Goes With Meatloaf?
Meatloaf is a versatile dish that you can pair with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some classic and delicious options for serving with loaf:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to meatloaf.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans make a delicious and nutritious side dish to meatloaf.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side dish that goes well with meatloaf.
- Salad: A light and refreshing option to serve with meatloaf is a simple side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is a delicious and easy accompaniment to meatloaf.
How to Store and Freeze Meatloaf
To store meatloaf in the fridge, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or an airtight container. It can last for three to four days. To freeze, wrap in storage wrap and foil, and then place in a zip-top freezer bag labeled with the date. It can last for up to four months in the freezer.
A decent main course, which, when paired with a light side dish and a vegetable salad, becomes a satisfying and nutritious lunch. However, those who are watching their weight should be cautious because of the relatively high fat content, as it's easy to exceed your calorie intake, so make sure to control your portion size. Additionally, this dish may not be suitable for individuals with elevated cholesterol levels. If your goal is to gain weight and you don't have cholesterol issues, then it's an excellent choice for you. I wouldn't recommend Easy Meatloaf for dinner, as the combination of heavy animal protein from beef and a significant amount of fat would impose too much stress on the digestive system, which is not appropriate in the evening.
Dice the onion and half of the celery and carrot, and chop the garlic into small cubes.
Then, cut the rosemary.
Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onion for 4-5 minutes over medium heat. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Add the rosemary, thyme and garlic.
Make the sauce: Heat ketchup in a saucepan. Add cane sugar, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
In a bowl, mix the ground pork and beef, add the eggs, mustard, bread crumbs, and milk, and mix well.
Add the cooked vegetables, mix again, and season with salt and pepper.
Place on a baking sheet, pour the sauce over the top, and bake in a preheated oven at 338 degrees F (170 degrees C) for 25-35 minutes (depending on the size of the pan).
Allow the meatloaf to cool and cut it into slices.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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For an extra layer of depth in flavor, consider adding a touch of Worcestershire sauce to the meatloaf mixture. This secret ingredient enhances the savory profile, giving your meatloaf a subtle umami kick that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. Just a few dashes can make a significant difference, so feel free to experiment and tailor it to your taste preferences. Your taste buds will thank you for this simple yet impactful enhancement!
