Ah, meatloaf—classic comfort food! It’s hearty, filling, and you can make it healthier with a few tweaks. Here’s a solid recipe that’s simple and tasty. 🍽️
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) ground beef (or mix beef + pork for extra flavor)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp thyme or Italian seasoning
For the topping:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix meatloaf ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Mix gently—don’t overwork it or it will get tough.
- Shape the loaf:
- Place mixture in a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.
- Add topping:
- Spread ketchup (and optional brown sugar) evenly on top of the loaf.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest & serve:
- Let meatloaf rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
Tips
- Cheesy meatloaf: Add shredded cheese into the center for a gooey surprise.
- Veggie boost: Add finely diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the mix.
- Make ahead: Prepare the loaf a day before and refrigerate—bake fresh when needed.
If you want, I can also give a super moist, quick 40-minute meatloaf recipe that comes out tender every time—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Do you want me to share that version?
