When it comes to classic comfort foods, meatloaf is a timeless favorite. This hearty dish offers a satisfying combination of ground meat, spices, and seasonings, all baked together to create a flavorful loaf that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a delicious meatloaf recipe that is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for the Perfect Meatloaf
To make a classic meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Ground Pork: 1/2 pound
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the milk until the breadcrumbs are fully soaked. This helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender. Add this mixture to the meat, along with the egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.
Forming and Baking the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf. For a crispy exterior, you can place the meatloaf directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you like a glazed top, you can brush the meatloaf with additional ketchup or a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Serving and Enjoying Your Meatloaf
Once the meatloaf is cooked, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meatloaf. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Variations and Tips
Feel free to customize your meatloaf by adding your favorite ingredients. Some popular additions include:
- Cheese: Adding shredded cheese to the meat mixture can provide extra flavor and a gooey texture.
- Vegetables: Incorporating finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery can enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the meatloaf to your taste preferences.
Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, and garlic.
- Mix breadcrumbs with milk and add to the meat mixture.
- Add egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This meatloaf recipe is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy!