This meatloaf combines the richness of beef and pork with a sweet and tangy glaze, creating a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy weeknight meal. The tender meat and flavorful topping are sure to make everyone at the table smile.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you like your meatloaf classic or with a twist, you can always customize it by adding vegetables, spices, or changing up the glaze to suit your taste. Serve it with mashed potatoes and veggies for the ultimate comfort meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 pounds ground beef
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1/2 pound ground pork
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for topping)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix together until fully combined.
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Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form an even loaf.
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In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
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Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
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Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Hearty Comfort Food: The Classic Meatloaf
Meatloaf is one of those timeless dishes that holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially those who crave the taste of home-cooked comfort food. This dish has been passed down through generations and remains a favorite in kitchens worldwide. Its versatility and simplicity make it an enduring choice for family dinners, special gatherings, and even meal prep for the week. Whether it’s your first time making meatloaf or you’re an experienced cook, there’s no denying that this dish never goes out of style.
The History and Evolution of Meatloaf
Meatloaf has deep roots in culinary history, with origins dating back to the 5th century in Europe. Early recipes for meatloaf were often made by combining leftover meats, breadcrumbs, and eggs into a compact form that could be cooked all at once. In the United States, meatloaf became popular in the early 20th century, especially during the Great Depression, as it was an inexpensive and filling meal. It was often made with ground beef and served with a generous portion of mashed potatoes or vegetables, making it a wholesome dish that could feed a large family on a budget.
Over the years, the recipe for meatloaf has evolved to incorporate different meats, vegetables, and spices, with each region or family putting its unique twist on the dish. While the classic meatloaf with ground beef and pork remains the most popular version, modern takes often feature ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences.
The Appeal of Meatloaf
What makes meatloaf so beloved? For starters, it’s a dish that brings comfort and warmth. There’s something inherently satisfying about cutting into a thick, juicy slice of meatloaf. The rich, savory flavor combined with a tangy glaze or sauce creates a perfect balance that appeals to people of all ages.
Another reason for its widespread popularity is its ease of preparation. While other dishes might require more intricate techniques or specialized ingredients, meatloaf can be thrown together with basic pantry staples and cooked in a single pan or loaf pan. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal the oven does most of the work while you focus on other parts of your meal. You can even prepare the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for a busy weeknight.
Additionally, meatloaf is incredibly adaptable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, add various herbs and spices for more flavor, and even experiment with different toppings or fillings. Whether you prefer it with a simple ketchup glaze, a spicy barbecue sauce, or something more creative like a honey-mustard topping, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy this dish. This adaptability makes it the perfect option for meal prep, as you can tailor the meatloaf to your family’s preferences.
The Ingredients: The Secret to Perfect Meatloaf
While it may seem like a straightforward dish, creating the perfect meatloaf is all about the balance of ingredients. Ground beef provides the necessary richness, while the addition of ground pork adds a bit of extra flavor and moisture. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together, ensuring that the meatloaf holds its shape during cooking, while eggs provide structure and richness.
Seasonings like garlic, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and salt are essential to give the meatloaf its depth of flavor. The key to a flavorful meatloaf lies in the right combination of savory ingredients, but the topping is just as important. A simple glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard adds a sweet and tangy finish that perfectly complements the savory meat. It’s this contrast between the meat’s richness and the glaze’s sweetness that makes each bite so enjoyable.
For those looking to experiment, you can swap out breadcrumbs for crushed crackers, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition, or even use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or lamb. These variations can make the dish even more exciting while still keeping the essence of the classic meatloaf.
Meal Prep and Leftovers: A Winning Combination
One of the best things about meatloaf is how well it stores and reheats. After you’ve enjoyed your fresh meatloaf, the leftovers can easily be repurposed into sandwiches, meatloaf muffins, or even added to pasta dishes for a new twist. Whether you’re making meatloaf to serve immediately or preparing it ahead of time, it’s a dish that’s designed to be enjoyed over multiple meals.
Meatloaf is also an excellent option for busy families or individuals who are looking to make meals in advance. You can prepare a double batch and freeze one for later use. Simply bake the meatloaf, allow it to cool, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pop it into the oven to reheat it will taste just as good as the first time.
Perfect Pairings for Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a satisfying and balanced meal. Traditional accompaniments like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans never fail to impress. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the hearty meatloaf, while roasted vegetables provide a burst of flavor and freshness.
For a lighter option, you can serve your meatloaf with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, consider pairing it with macaroni and cheese or a side of cornbread for a comforting Southern-inspired meal.
A Classic Dish with Endless Possibilities
What makes meatloaf truly special is its ability to evolve while still maintaining its comforting, nostalgic qualities. It’s a dish that can be served for special occasions, weeknight dinners, or even holiday meals, and it’s always sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it with traditional ingredients or experimenting with new flavors, meatloaf is one of those dishes that will never lose its charm.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a dish that brings people together, evokes memories of family meals, and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or taste preferences. With its rich, savory flavor, tender texture, and versatility, meatloaf is a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The best part? You can make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your twist on it, meatloaf will always be a meal that satisfies. So the next time you’re craving a hearty and comforting dish, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of this classic meatloaf it’s sure to become a favorite in your household for years to come.