Here’s a classic meatloaf recipe—hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal:
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Mix gently until well combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the meatloaf:
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking pan or loaf pan.
- Top with ketchup:
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top for a sweet glaze.
- Bake:
- Cook for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or your favorite side.
Optional Variations
- Cheese-stuffed meatloaf: Place slices of cheese in the center before baking.
- Vegetable-packed meatloaf: Add finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Bacon-wrapped meatloaf: Wrap the loaf with bacon strips before baking for a smoky flavor.
If you want, I can also give a quick, one-pan “easy meatloaf” version that’s faster to make and still super flavorful.
Do you want me to do that?
