Oh, meatloaf! Just the word brings back memories of cozy family dinners, doesn’t it? For me, it’s sitting around the table with my family, everyone digging into a big, warm slice. It’s pure comfort food! And let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a dinner that’s easy to throw together after a long day. That’s where The Best Meatloaf Recipe comes in – seriously, *the best*!
I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, and trust me, it’s a winner. It’s unbelievably delicious, and the best part? It’s so simple that even a beginner cook can nail it. My grandma used to make meatloaf every Sunday, and I’ve taken her classic recipe and made it even easier (sorry, Grandma!). So get ready to enjoy a meatloaf that’s moist, flavorful, and totally satisfying. This is one of my go-to recipes, and I know it’ll become yours too!
Why You’ll Love The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Okay, so why *this* meatloaf recipe? Let me tell you!
- Quick Prep: Seriously, it’s ready to go in the oven in minutes.
- Easy Cleanup: I hate dishes, so trust me, this is a breeze.
- Incredibly Flavorful: No bland meatloaf here! It’s packed with flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will gobble it up.
- Gluten-Free Option: Got gluten issues? No problem! Just swap the breadcrumbs.
Ingredients for The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing meatloaf. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!
- 2 lbs ground beef, 85% lean
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- For the Topping: 3/4 cup ketchup, 1 ½ tsp white vinegar, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder
How to Make The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t be intimidated, it’s way easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meatloaf in no time. Make sure you preheat that oven – that’s super important! And trust me, letting it rest before slicing makes a HUGE difference.
Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
First, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F. While that’s happening, line a baking sheet with parchment paper – makes cleanup a snap! Next, chop that onion and sauté it in a little olive oil until it’s soft and golden. This step adds so much flavor, don’t skip it! Once the onions are cool, toss them in a large bowl with the ground beef and all the other meatloaf ingredients. Mix it all together gently – don’t overmix, or it’ll be tough!
Baking The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Now, shape the mixture into a loaf on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. While it’s baking, mix together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. After 40 minutes, spread that yummy sauce all over the meatloaf and bake for another 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing – patience is key!
Tips for The Best Meatloaf Recipe Success
Want to make sure your meatloaf is a total knockout? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years. First, don’t overmix the meat! Seriously, it’s the biggest mistake people make. Overmixing makes it tough. Just gently combine everything until it’s *just* mixed. Also, a meat thermometer is your best friend! It takes all the guesswork out of it. You want that internal temp to hit 160°F. And finally, resist the urge to slice it right away! Letting it rest for at least 10 minutes (or even longer!) makes it so much easier to slice and keeps it super moist. Trust me on this one!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Ground beef is classic, but you can totally use ground turkey or chicken if you’re feeling adventurous (or just trying to be a little healthier!). Just make sure it’s not *too* lean, or your meatloaf might be dry. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together, but if you’re gluten-free, no worries! Just swap them out for gluten-free breadcrumbs – easy peasy! And finally, ketchup… I love it in this recipe, but you could also use tomato sauce or even BBQ sauce for a different flavor. Have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions for The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Alright, so you’ve got this amazing meatloaf… now what do you serve with it? My go-to is always mashed potatoes – creamy, dreamy, perfect with that savory meatloaf. Roasted vegetables are another winner – broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts… whatever you’re in the mood for! And if you want something lighter, a simple salad is always a good idea. The best part about meatloaf is that it’s so versatile, it goes with pretty much anything! It’s an easy weeknight meal that can be paired with anything you are in the mood for!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about The Best Meatloaf Recipe. Don’t be shy, if you’ve got more, just ask in the comments!
Can I freeze The Best Meatloaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Meatloaf freezes like a dream. You can freeze it cooked or uncooked. If you freeze it uncooked, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. If it’s cooked, let it cool completely before wrapping. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
How long does The Best Meatloaf Recipe last in the refrigerator?
Cooked meatloaf will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It’s perfect for leftovers!
Can I use different types of ground meat for The Best Meatloaf Recipe?
Definitely! While ground beef is classic, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beef and pork. Just be mindful of the fat content – leaner meats might need a little extra moisture. You could add a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra egg to keep it moist.
What is the best way to reheat The Best Meatloaf Recipe?
My favorite way is in the oven! Just pop a slice in a baking dish with a little bit of water or broth in the bottom, cover it with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through. This helps keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it!
How to keep The Best Meatloaf Recipe moist?
Moisture is key! Don’t overmix the meat, use fresh ingredients, and don’t overbake it. Letting it rest after baking also helps redistribute the juices, keeping it nice and moist. And a little trick? Add a tablespoon or two of grated zucchini to the meatloaf mixture! You won’t even taste it, but it adds tons of moisture.
Nutritional Information for The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Okay, gotta be real here! Figuring out the exact nutrition info for this meatloaf is tricky. It really depends on the brands you use and how generous you are with the ingredients! So, the info below is just an estimate. Don’t take it as gospel, okay? It’s just a general idea!
Enjoyed The Best Meatloaf Recipe? Leave a comment below!
So, did you try it? I really wanna know what you think! Leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out. Did you tweak it? What did you serve with it? And hey, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Thanks for giving The Best Meatloaf Recipe a try – I hope you loved it as much as we do!
Fail-Proof: The Best Meatloaf Recipe Gets 5 Stars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This is the best meatloaf recipe you will ever try. It’s easy to make and tastes delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 80% lean
- 1 med onion, (1 cup), finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs, or gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup, and preheat oven to 350°F.
- Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp oil and chopped onion and saute, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix just until well combined (your hands are your best tool for mixing – put on disposable gloves if you want to).
- Add meat to the pan and shape it into a meatloaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Bake uncovered at 350˚F for 40 minutes.
- In a small bowl, add the sauce ingredients and stir to combine.
- Spread the sauce over the Meatloaf, then return to the oven and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚F on aninstant-read thermometer. Rest the meatloaf for 10-15 minutes before serving and it will be much easier to slice.
Notes
- For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
