Meatloaf Recipe
Meatloaf Recipe is a comforting and classic dish enjoyed by families worldwide. It’s simple to prepare, delicious, and satisfying. This recipe is from Ina Garten, who shows how to make it step by step. You’ll need ground beef, onions, herbs, breadcrumbs, eggs, and ketchup. Once it’s cooked, it slices easily. It’s great for lunch or dinner. You can also add some extra ingredients to boost the flavor of this dish. Both kids and adults enjoy meatloaf. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful meatloaf that everyone will love.
Watch Fully Detailed Video of Making Meatloaf Recipe
Perfectly Timed Meatloaf Recipe
| Step | Time (Minutes) | Notes |
| Preheat Oven | 10 | Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) |
| Saute Onions | 8-10 | Cook onions until translucent |
| Mix Ingredients | 5 | Combine ground chuck, onion mixture, and other ingredients |
| Shape Meatloaf | 5 | Form mixture into a loaf shape |
| Bake Meatloaf | 60-75 | Bake for 1 to 1 ¼ hours until done |
| Let Rest | 10 | Rest meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing |
Ingredients Table for Meatloaf Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Use good quality olive oil |
| Yellow onions | 3 cups (about 3 medium onions) | |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 1 teaspoon | Chopped |
| Kosher salt | 2 teaspoons | |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Worcestershire sauce | 3 tablespoons | |
| Chicken stock or broth | 1/3 cup | Use canned |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon | |
| Ground chuck (81% lean) | 2 ½ pounds | |
| Plain dry bread crumbs | ½ cup | Recommended: Progresso |
| Eggs | 2 extra-large | |
| Ketchup | ½ cup |
Simple Steps to Make Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F. Make sure the oven is hot before you bake the meatloaf. A warm oven helps the meat cook evenly. Wait for it to heat up. This will ensure your loaf cooks the right way.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Take a frying pan. Pour a little olive oil into it. Heat the oil on medium flame. Add chopped onions. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top. Put in a small amount of fresh thyme leaves. Stir the onions gently. Let them cook for about 8 minutes. Do not let them burn. The onions should turn soft.
After that, add Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Stir these ingredients into the onions. Mix well so the flavors combine. Turn off the heat. Let the onion mixture cool before using it.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Take a large mixing bowl. Put the ground beef inside the bowl. Pour the cooled onion mix on top. Add breadcrumbs and beaten eggs. Gently mix the ingredients with a fork. Do not overmix them. Light mixing keeps the loaf soft. Make sure everything combines properly.
Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf
Take a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This keeps the loaf from sticking to the pan. Take the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf with your hands. Make sure it is even on all sides. Spread ketchup on top of the loaf. The ketchup adds flavor and keeps the loaf moist while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Put the baking sheet in the oven. Let the meatloaf bake for 1 hour. If needed, bake for 15 more minutes. Check if the meatloaf is done using a thermometer. The center should reach 160°F. If you want to keep the top from cracking, place a small pan of hot water under the baking sheet. This helps the loaf cook smoothly.
Step 6: Final Step
Once done, take the meatloaf out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. This helps it hold its shape. Serve the meatloaf warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or salad.
Secrets to Make a Juicy and Flavorful Meatloaf
Choose the Right Meat
The type of ground beef you use is important for a good meatloaf Recipe. Ground chuck with 81% lean meat works well. As it keeps the meatloaf juicy and flavorful. Avoid very lean meat, as it can make the meatloaf dry.
Be Gentle While Mixing
Mixing too much can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf. Gently combine the ingredients just enough to blend them well. This helps maintain a light and soft texture.
Use Ketchup
Ketchup is not just for flavor. It also helps keep the meatloaf moist during baking. Be sure to spread it evenly over the top before placing it in the oven.
Storing Leftovers
Meatloaf stays in the fridge for about three days. Put slices in a sealed container. That keeps air away. You can also freeze slices. Wrap each one in foil or plastic first. Then, please place them in the freezer. When you want to eat a meal, take out a slice. Warm it in the oven or microwave. Make sure it is hot before you eat it. This saves time on busy days.
Variations and Customizations for Meatloaf Recipe
The taste of meatloaf can be boosted in many ways. You can add veggies, herbs, and more. This gives you new flavors.
Adding Vegetables
Chop bell peppers into small pieces. You can also use carrots or zucchini. Mushrooms or spinach work well, too. These ingredients add color to the dish. They also provide vitamins and a soft crunch. This is an easy way to make the dish healthier.
Gluten-Free Options
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you cannot eat regular ones. Some people use crushed oats, while others prefer almond flour. Always read labels to ensure safety. This allows guests with special dietary needs to enjoy your dish.
Boost Flavor
You can add garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. Fresh parsley or thyme can be mixed in. Grated cheese adds richness, while barbecue sauce or hot sauce can bring spice. Taste a small amount as you go and adjust to find the perfect flavor. Make it as mild or bold as you prefer.
Serving Suggestions for Delicious Meatloaf
Serve meatloaf with various sides to create a complete meal. You can choose mashed potatoes, vegetables, or bread. Each side adds something special to your dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Mash cooked potatoes with butter and a splash of milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, and feel free to add garlic for extra flavor. This creamy side pairs well with meatloaf.
Steamed Vegetables
Select carrots, broccoli, or beans. Steam them until soft and tender. Sprinkle salt on top, and you can add a little butter for more flavor. These bright vegetables complement the meatloaf.
Fresh Green Salad
Tear lettuce into small pieces and slice cucumbers. Add tomatoes and mix everything in a bowl. Drizzle with a light dressing. This crisp salad serves as a fresh and crunchy side to your meal.
Dinner Rolls
Warm rolls are a great addition to your meal. You can spread butter on them. The bread will soak up the juices from the meatloaf. Serve fresh from the oven to complete your meal.
Reviews from Other Home Cooks
Many people like this method and share great results. Here are a few comments:
- MegLovesRain: “I’m making this recipe again tomorrow. It’s easy to follow and turns out great every time.”
- SandieO: “This is the best meatloaf I’ve ever made! It’s so tasty!”
- Linda T.: “Perfection! I made three meatloaves by doubling the recipe, and everyone enjoyed it.”
These reviews show that the steps are simple, even for beginners. The dish turns out flavorful and moist, which is why many people love it.
Additional Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Every Time
- Choose the Right Meat: You can mix ground beef with pork, if desired. The extra fat helps keep everything moist.
- Avoid Overmixing: Go slowly while mixing. Stirring too much can make the loaf hard.
- Let It Rest: Allow it to sit for about ten minutes once it’s done. This rest period helps the loaf hold onto its juices.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Make sure it reaches at least 160°F. This ensures it’s fully cooked.
- Try Topping: Add sauce on top for extra flavor. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, or a brown sugar glaze can give it a sweet taste.
Conclusion
Ina Garten’s Meatloaf Recipe is easy to make and tasty. It uses simple ingredients. Anyone can cook it, whether new to cooking or experienced. You mix, shape, and bake it. Serve it warm for dinner or at family gatherings. You can change it by adding vegetables, cheese, or extra sauce. This recipe shows that classic meals always stay popular. When you need comfort food, choose this meatloaf. Everyone will enjoy it. Leftovers are useful too. Keep them in the fridge or freezer. This saves time for future meals. It also reduces waste. Cooking this meatloaf is fun and rewarding. Share it with family and friends. Meatloaf is a dish that brings joy to the table.