How to Make the Best Meatloaf Recipe

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Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Best Meatloaf recipe, a dish that elevates the classic American dinner to new heights of flavor and tenderness. This meatloaf combines a blend of ground meat, herbs, and a perfect mix of seasonings, topped with a tangy, sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a recipe designed for those seeking the nostalgia of a home-cooked meal, with a few gourmet touches to make it stand out. Ideal for a hearty family dinner, this meatloaf is not just delicious; it’s a warm, inviting centerpiece that promises to bring everyone together around the dining table.

The journey to creating the Best Meatloaf began as a challenge to reinvent a traditional recipe that could often turn out too dry or lacking in flavor. After experimenting with various ingredients and cooking techniques, I finally struck the perfect balance that resulted in a moist, flavorful meatloaf, much to the delight of my skeptical family. The first time I served it, the room went silent, followed by sounds of satisfaction and requests for seconds.

This meatloaf recipe became a symbol of comfort and creativity in our home, a dish that could turn a simple meal into a special occasion. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder of the joy of cooking and the power of a good meal to make any day feel a little more extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf

Moist and Flavorful: Say goodbye to dry meatloaf with this recipe that guarantees a juicy and tasty result every time.
Perfect Glaze: The glaze is the star, offering a tangy contrast to the savory meat.

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples for an easy yet impressive meal.
Leftover Potential: Even better the next day, making for delicious sandwiches or a quick dinner option.

Ingredients Notes For the Best Meatloaf

Ground Meat: A mix of ground beef and pork for the best flavor and tenderness.

Breadcrumbs: Help to bind the meatloaf while keeping it moist.
Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs, contributing to the meatloaf’s tender texture.
Eggs: Act as a binder, holding the meatloaf together.

Seasonings: Onion, garlic, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce add depth and richness.
Glaze: A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a perfectly balanced topping that caramelizes as it bakes.

Recipe Steps

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish.

Mix Ingredients: Gently combine the ground meat with the soaked breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and seasonings until just mixed.
Form the Loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet or place it in a loaf pan.
Prepare the Glaze: Mix the glaze ingredients and spread half over the meatloaf before baking.

Bake: Cook in the preheated oven, adding the rest of the glaze partway through baking.
Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to ensure it stays moist and holds together.

Storage Options

Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Freeze slices for quick future meals. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

How to Make the Best Meatloaf Recipe

Maria

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

Ground beef: 1 1/2 lbs lean, about 85% is ideal
Bread crumbs: 1 cup plain or Italian seasoned
Milk: 1/2 cup

Egg: 1 large beaten
Onion: 1 medium finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves minced

Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
Ketchup: 1/4 cup
Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon

Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper: to taste

For the Glaze:

Ketchup: 1/2 cup

Brown sugar: 1/4 cup packed
Mustard yellow or Dijon: 2 tablespoons
Vinegar apple cider or white: 1 tablespoon

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it, or use a loaf pan.

Mix Meatloaf Ingredients:

In a large bowl, soak the bread crumbs in milk for a few minutes. Add the beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Add the ground beef to the mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

Shape the Meatloaf:

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf, or press the mixture into the loaf pan.

Prepare the Glaze:

In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar until smooth.

Bake:

Spread about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Baste occasionally with the remaining glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Rest and Serve:

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
Serve slices of meatloaf with the remaining glaze on the side or drizzled on top.