Best Ever Meat Loaf
A warm, savory slice of classic meatloaf brings comfort like no other. This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients for a flavor-packed dish that’s juicy, tender, and satisfying. It’s a family favorite with a twist of cheddar and a hint of sweetness.
Perfectly seasoned and topped with a tangy glaze, this meatloaf boasts a delicious blend of textures and tastes in every bite. Carrots and cheddar enhance the moistness, while the seasoned breadcrumb mixture locks in flavor and moisture throughout.
Ideal for a weeknight meal or a hearty weekend dinner, this meatloaf is sure to become a staple in your home. Serve it with mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete, comforting feast that everyone will love.
Best Ever Meatloaf Ingredients: A Flavorful Foundation
- Ground Beef – The heart of this meatloaf, adding rich, savory flavor and hearty texture.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts within, delivering creamy richness and a subtle sharpness that enhances every bite.
- Onion – Adds depth with its sweet and slightly tangy notes, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Crumbled Bread – Essential for binding, keeping the meatloaf moist and tender throughout.
- Carrot – Offers a hint of natural sweetness and a touch of color, complementing the savory flavors.
- Brown Sugar & Ketchup Glaze – A classic, caramelized topping that’s tangy, sweet, and a bit smoky—perfectly finishing this comforting dish.
Recipe Tips for the Best Ever Meatloaf
- Choosing the Right Meat: For a moist and tender meatloaf, use ground beef with a bit of fat, ideally around 80-85% lean. Leaner meat can make the loaf dry, while higher fat content ensures a juicy result. If you prefer a leaner option, try mixing ground beef with ground pork or veal to add flavor and richness without compromising moisture.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is evenly incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense texture. Use your hands or a gentle folding motion to keep the mixture light. Crumbling the bread thoroughly before adding will also help bind without needing to overwork the meat.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute within the loaf, preventing it from crumbling or becoming dry when cut. This simple step locks in moisture, ensuring each slice is perfectly juicy and tender.
What to Serve with the Best Ever Meatloaf
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural match for meatloaf, providing a soft, buttery counterpoint to the rich, savory meat. Add a dash of garlic or chives to elevate the flavors even more, creating a comforting and satisfying pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans roasted until slightly caramelized add a lovely depth and balance to the meal. Their subtle sweetness complements the meatloaf’s savory profile and brings color and variety to your plate.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette can lighten up the meal. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the richness of the meatloaf, creating a refreshing contrast and adding freshness to every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but you can substitute it with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Q2: Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the meat mixture, shape it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
Q3: How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
A: The best way is by using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Q4: Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?
A: Yes, meatloaf freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Best Ever Meat Loaf
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely shredded carrot
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 slices of bread crumbled
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare all necessary ingredients. Set the oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
- In a sizable mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Add the crumbled bread and stir until the bread absorbs the liquid and softens. Incorporate the ground beef, onion, Cheddar cheese, and shredded carrot into the bread mixture. Once combined, transfer the mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, pressing down gently to shape.
- In a separate bowl, blend the brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard until smooth. Evenly spread this glaze over the top of the meat mixture in the loaf pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, approximately 60 to 75 minutes. Verify doneness with an instant-read thermometer, which should read at least 160°F (70°C) in the center.
- Allow the meatloaf to cool briefly before slicing and serving.
