The Best Meatloaf Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
372 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Description
The Best Meatloaf Recipe blends chopped onions, garlic, and thyme with ground beef, bread crumbs, and seasonings, bound together by eggs and beef broth for a tender texture. The preparation starts by sautéing the aromatics to soften their flavor, then mixing all ingredients evenly. Formed into a traditional loaf shape, it is glazed with a mixture of brown sugar, coarse mustard, and ketchup, which caramelizes during baking. The gradual addition of the sauce during baking leads to a flavorful crust while keeping the interior moist and rich. Allowing the loaf to rest post-baking lets the juices redistribute, preventing dryness. This recipe suits a classic home-cooked meal, pairing well with mashed potatoes or similar sides.
The glaze's balance of sweetness and tanginess complements the savory meat, enhanced by the Worcestershire sauce and herbs. The sautéing step brings out sweetness in the onion and garlic and blends the seasoning thoughtfully.
For best results, use a heavy pan to sauté the vegetables evenly without burning. Bread crumbs can be seasoned or plain, depending on preference. The remaining glaze serves well for moistening slices when serving.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 TB olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper freshly ground, to taste
- 3 TB Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large egg beaten
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup bread crumbs dry, seasoned or plain (your choice)
- 2 lbs ground beef
For the Sauce
- 4 TB brown sugar packed
- 4 TB mustard coarse stone ground
- 1 ½ cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F, with rack on middle position. Place large pan of water on lower rack underneath.
- In a large heavy saucepan, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add a pinch of kosher salt, pinch of pepper, and the thyme. Saute 30 seconds more, and transfer to large bowl.
- Add 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, beef broth, and bread crumbs. Whisk by hand to combine ingredients. Add ground beef and stir with wooden spoon until fully combined.
- Form beef mixture into a loaf (roughly 2x5x8) in a large baking dish or meatloaf pan dish.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, coarse mustard, and ketchup. Spoon about a quarter of this sauce into a small bowl and brush sauce evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake about 50 minutes. Brush another quarter of the sauce onto meatloaf and bake 10 more minutes or until meatloaf is cooked through.
- Let meatloaf sit at room temp about 10 minutes before cutting into it. Serve with remaining sauce.
Notes
- Use a large heavy saucepan to gently sauté onions and garlic for even cooking and to avoid burning.
- Seasoned or plain bread crumbs can be used; seasoned bread crumbs add extra flavor.
- Let the meatloaf rest about 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute for a juicier slice.
- Consider doubling the glaze sauce if you prefer extra sauce to serve alongside the meatloaf.
- This meatloaf pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 372 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 372kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 471mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 522mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 90IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 71mg | 7% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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