Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Try this Classic Meatloaf Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Classic Meatloaf Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 2 pounds ground beef (i use 90% lean)
- 3/4 cup minced yellow onion
- 1/4 cup loosely packed chopped fresh parsley
- 1-1/4 cup italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (more or less to taste)
- Carbohydrate 13.3022062880959 g
- Cholesterol 143.000000001691 mg
- Fat 4.1509991743238 g
- Fiber 0.187949201587387 g
- Protein 5.460431195433 g
- Saturated Fat 1.42439671902752 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (242g)
- Sodium 411.71861364115 mg
- Sugar 13.1142570865085 g
- Trans Fat 0.662146749478468 g
- Calories 108 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray).
- Combine meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl just until combined (do not over-mix). Shape into a loaf (approximately 9 inches in length and 2-1/2 inches height) on prepared baking sheet.
- Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Pour 1/2 of sauce into a separate bowl (for brushing meatloaf when it comes out of the oven).
- Brush meatloaf with 1/2 of sauce. Bake for 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Remove from oven and brush (using a clean brush) with remaining 1/2 of sauce. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
My Classic Comfort Food: Meatloaf
Meatloaf. Just the word itself conjures up images of cozy family dinners, Sunday suppers, and the comforting aroma of savory goodness filling the kitchen. For me, meatloaf isn't just a dish; it's a time capsule, a portal to simpler times, to the warm embraces of home-cooked meals. My grandmother, bless her soul, made the most incredible meatloaf. It was a Sunday tradition, a ritual passed down through generations, and the smell alone could bring a smile to anyone's face.
Over the years, I've experimented with countless variations, adjusting ingredients and techniques to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures. But at the heart of it all remains my grandmother's simple, classic recipe, a foundation upon which I've built my own cherished meatloaf creation. This isn't your grandma’s meatloaf, exactly, but it is inspired by her, an evolution that incorporates everything I love about this timeless dish.
The beauty of meatloaf lies in its versatility. You can tailor it to your own preferences, adding herbs, spices, and vegetables to create unique flavor combinations. Some prefer a spicier kick, while others opt for a milder, more herbaceous profile. I have experimented with adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, and even a splash of red wine for a richer depth of flavor. But for this rendition, I've stuck with a classic combination that never disappoints.
The key to a truly exceptional meatloaf lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using lean ground beef ensures a moist and flavorful loaf, while fresh herbs add a burst of vibrancy. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of breadcrumbs; panko breadcrumbs, for instance, offer a beautiful crispy texture. The balance of sweet and savory flavors is also key, so it’s important to get the right combination of ketchup and brown sugar. The result is something that will make even the pickiest eaters happy.
But meatloaf is more than just a dish; it's a symbol of comfort, love, and tradition. It's the culmination of generations of home cooks, each adding their personal touch to the recipe, creating a legacy of culinary memories. It's the aroma that wafts through the house, beckoning family and friends to gather around the table. It's the warmth that radiates from the oven, seeping into the hearts and bellies of everyone lucky enough to share in the feast.
This meatloaf isn’t just about the process of cooking; it's about creating connections, sharing stories, and savoring every delicious bite. It's a simple dish with the power to bring people together, and that, to me, is what makes it truly special. I hope you find joy in making it and sharing it with those you love most.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you back to simpler times, filled with the love and warmth of home-cooked goodness. Enjoy this classic dish – and let the wonderful aromas fill your kitchen!
