Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish made with ground meat, typically beef, mixed with other ingredients and baked to perfection. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a traditional meatloaf:
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Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (you can use a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and beaten eggs.
- Optionally, add shredded cheese if using.
- Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape and Bake:
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Shape the meat into a loaf shape, about 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar to make the glaze.
- Glaze and Bake:
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Serve slices of meatloaf with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or your favorite sides.
Enjoy this classic meatloaf recipe, which is sure to be a hit with its savory flavors and comforting appeal!