Let me tell you, this is *the best meatloaf recipe* you’ll ever find! Growing up, meatloaf was a staple in my house, and I always looked forward to those cozy dinners. The aroma of savory beef and herbs baking in the oven? Just heavenly! What makes this recipe stand out is how *easy* it is to whip up, yet it’s bursting with flavor. The combination of ground beef and pork keeps it juicy, while the breadcrumbs and spices create the perfect texture. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s a family favorite that makes my heart (and stomach) happy every time.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef: I prefer using 80/20 for a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- 1/2 lb ground pork: This adds a delightful richness that really elevates the overall taste.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned, depending on how much flavor you want to pack in!
- 1/2 cup milk: This keeps the meatloaf moist and tender—don’t skip it!
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Half for mixing in, and half for that glorious topping. Sweet and tangy perfection!
- 1/2 onion, chopped: I like yellow onions for their mild sweetness, but any onion will work.
- 1 egg: This acts as a binder, keeping everything together like a happy family.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor—don’t be shy with it!
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Just a hint for that perfect touch of heat.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: This herb brings a lovely earthiness that complements the meat beautifully.
How to Prepare the Best Meatloaf Recipe
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious meatloaf! It’s really straightforward and totally rewarding. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential because a hot oven ensures perfectly cooked meatloaf. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In your bowl, combine the 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork. Get your hands in there and mix them together until they’re well blended. Trust me, it’s the best way to get that perfect texture!
- Next, add in the 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 chopped onion, 1 egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Mix until everything is combined, but don’t overdo it—you want it just mixed!
- Now, shape this mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. I like to form it a little taller in the center for even cooking.
- Here comes the fun part! Spread the remaining ketchup on top of the meatloaf. This gives it a lovely glaze that makes it even more appetizing.
- Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C). The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
- Once it’s done, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, making each bite extra juicy. Trust me, you’ll want to wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with rich flavors from the combination of beef and pork.
- Comfort food at its finest, sure to please the whole family.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making for great next-day meals.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins like veggies or spices!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this meatloaf! First, don’t overmix your ingredients. Just mix until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Also, make sure your meat is at room temperature before you start—this helps with even cooking. If you want to elevate the flavor even more, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a kick. And here’s a little secret: if you want a crispy exterior, bake it on a rack inside your baking dish to allow the heat to circulate around it. Lastly, always let the meatloaf rest for those 10 minutes before slicing; it really makes a difference in juiciness! Trust me, these small tweaks will take your meatloaf from good to *the best*!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are approximate values. For one slice of this delicious meatloaf, you can expect around:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 1g
These values make it a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy! Enjoy knowing you’re serving up something delicious and filling.
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of meat for this meatloaf?
Absolutely! While I love the classic beef and pork combo, you can definitely experiment. Ground turkey or chicken works great for a leaner option, or even a mix of ground lamb and beef for a unique twist. Just remember that different meats may affect cooking times and moisture levels, so keep an eye on that!
Is this meatloaf gluten-free?
Yes, this *the best meatloaf recipe* can easily be made gluten-free! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go. Trust me, it’ll still taste amazing!
How can I add more flavor to my meatloaf?
There are so many ways to boost the flavor! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can also enhance the taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What should I serve with meatloaf?
My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans—so classic and comforting! You can also try serving it with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a lighter meal. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this *the best meatloaf recipe* is super simple! Just let your meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices! Just make sure to wrap them well, and they’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. For the best results, pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave—just cover it to prevent drying out and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Drucken
The Best Meatloaf Recipe: 7 Secrets to Ultimate Flavor
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
This is the best meatloaf recipe that is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Mix the ingredients until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread additional ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can add chopped bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 18g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 80mg
Keywords: the best meatloaf recipe, meatloaf, easy meatloaf
