Best meatloaf recipe
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this best meatloaf recipe, featuring a delicious glaze that elevates it to new heights. Perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender, it’s a dish that promises to satisfy and impress.
Inspired by a journey of culinary exploration, this meatloaf combines classic ingredients with a modern twist. Each bite reveals a harmony of flavors, making it an irresistible option for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of meatloaf or a curious newcomer, this recipe invites you to savor its mouthwatering goodness. Get ready to enjoy a dish that not only nourishes but also creates lasting memories at your table.
Best Meatloaf Ingredients
In crafting the best meatloaf, each ingredient plays a pivotal role. The butter adds a rich, creamy base, enhancing flavor and moisture. Minced onion and garlic bring aromatic depth, creating a savory foundation that tantalizes the taste buds.
Extra-lean ground beef serves as the hearty centerpiece, delivering satisfying protein while ensuring a tender texture. Crumbled toasted bread and crushed buttery crackers create the perfect binding agent, adding lightness and an irresistible crunch.
A touch of sour cream introduces a subtle tang, elevating the overall flavor profile, while Worcestershire sauce contributes a complex umami essence. Finally, the tomato sauce and ketchup glaze creates a sweet, tangy finish, beautifully complementing the savory notes of the meatloaf.
Best Meatloaf: A Classic Recipe
This best meatloaf recipe combines hearty flavors and textures, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. To elevate your cooking experience, here are some valuable tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Meat: While this recipe calls for extra-lean ground beef, consider blending in a bit of ground pork or turkey for added flavor and moisture. This combination can enhance the richness of the meatloaf while keeping it juicy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf. A light hand ensures a tender and fluffy texture, which is key to a delicious result.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful. It also prevents the meatloaf from crumbling when you cut into it.
What to Serve with Meatloaf
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic companion to meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich flavors beautifully. Their smooth texture and buttery taste pair well with the savory meatloaf, especially when drizzled with the leftover glaze.
- Garlic Green Beans: Lightly sautéed garlic green beans provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the hearty meatloaf. The brightness of the green beans balances the richness of the dish, adding a nutritious touch to your meal.
- Homemade Mac and Cheese: For a comforting twist, serve your meatloaf with a side of homemade mac and cheese. The creaminess and cheesiness of the pasta dish harmonize wonderfully with the flavors of the meatloaf, creating a satisfying comfort-food experience.
FAQ
1. Can I freeze meatloaf?
Yes, meatloaf freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. For best results, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
2. How do I know when my meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if your meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (70°C) when fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also check for clear juices running from the meatloaf.
3. Can I use breadcrumbs instead of crumbled bread and crackers?
Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs for crumbled bread and crackers. Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, but adjust the salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
4. How can I add more flavor to the meatloaf?
For added flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or adding spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra moisture and taste.
Best Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 3 slices of bread toasted and crumbled
- 7 buttery round crackers crushed
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 3 ½ tablespoons sour cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce, divided
- ¼ cup milk or as needed, optional
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare all the ingredients by gathering them in one place.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion and garlic mixture with the ground beef, crumbled bread, crushed crackers, beaten egg, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Gradually add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a moist yet firm consistency.
- Transfer the mixture into a 5×9-inch loaf pan, shaping it to fit the pan.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Then, raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce and ketchup. Pour this mixture over the meatloaf and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Once completed, serve the meatloaf hot and enjoy the delightful flavors it offers!
