Description
This Perfect Homemade Meatloaf recipe offers a classic, hearty dish made with ground beef, sautéed onions, and a flavorful blend of breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Glazed with ketchup and baked to juicy perfection, this meatloaf makes a comforting meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (Use 80% lean meat for optimal flavor and moisture.)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or seasoned, as per preference.)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped and sautéed until translucent.)
- 2 large Eggs (Acts as a binding agent.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for even flavor distribution.)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (Adds tangy depth and umami flavor.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust to taste.)
- 0.5 cup Mixed Vegetables (Optional, finely chopped.)
Glaze
- 0.5 cup Ketchup (For glaze and flavor.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, enhancing the flavor and texture of your meatloaf.
- Cool Onions: Remove onions from heat and let them cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs later.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated and uniform.
- Shape and Place: Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan to maintain the shape during baking.
- Apply Glaze: Spread ketchup evenly on top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze that caramelizes during baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring it is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Rest Meatloaf: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute for a moist slice.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, pairing it with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or vegetables.
Notes
- Use 80% lean ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture balance.
- You can substitute ketchup glaze with barbecue sauce for a different flavor.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juiciness.
- Optional mixed vegetables can add extra texture and nutrition.
