Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. This recipe combines ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, and a blend of seasonings to create a moist and flavorful loaf. Topped with a layer of ketchup, it bakes to perfection, making it a family favorite.
Most of the ingredients for this meatloaf recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up Worcestershire sauce if you don't already have it. This sauce adds a unique depth of flavor to the meatloaf. Additionally, make sure you have breadcrumbs on hand, as they help bind the meat mixture together.
Ingredients For Meatloaf Recipe
Ground beef: The main protein component of the meatloaf, providing richness and flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meat mixture and adds texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.
Milk: Adds moisture to the meatloaf, ensuring it stays tender.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor, adding moisture and texture.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory flavor to the meatloaf.
Ketchup: Used as a topping to add a tangy and slightly sweet glaze.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the ground beef with the other ingredients, use your hands to gently combine everything. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf. To ensure even distribution of the breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, fold the mixture rather than kneading it. This technique helps maintain a tender texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can act as a binder and add a slightly different texture, while still absorbing moisture well.
beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a vegan binding agent.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that maintains the moisture content in the meatloaf.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor without altering the color of the dish.
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and balsamic vinegar: This combination mimics the umami and tangy flavors of Worcestershire sauce.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and honey: Tomato paste provides a rich tomato flavor, while honey adds sweetness, closely resembling the taste of ketchup.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the meatloaf to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meatloaf soggy.
- Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure there are no gaps to keep it fresh and prevent any odors from the fridge seeping in.
- For added protection, place the wrapped meatloaf in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This double-layer method ensures maximum freshness.
- Store the meatloaf in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This keeps it safe and maintains its flavor.
- If you wish to keep the meatloaf for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Slice the meatloaf into individual portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place the wrapped slices in a resealable freezer bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its storage time.
- For optimal quality, consume the frozen meatloaf within 2-3 months. While it remains safe to eat beyond this period, the texture and flavor may start to degrade.
- To reheat, thaw the meatloaf slices in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quicker option, heating on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- If reheating the entire meatloaf, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the leftover meatloaf in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method ensures the meatloaf remains moist and flavorful.
Microwave Method: Slice the meatloaf into individual portions for even reheating. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the meatloaf slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the slices are warmed through. This method can give the meatloaf a slightly crispy exterior.
Steaming Method: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the meatloaf slices in a steamer basket and cover the pot with a lid. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meatloaf is heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the meatloaf tender.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meatloaf is warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method is quick and adds a delightful texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the meatloaf at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Loaf pan: A pan to shape and bake the meatloaf in the oven.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs, milk, and ketchup accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Knife: Used to chop the onion finely.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the onion safely.
Spatula or spoon: Used to mix the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.
Meat thermometer: To check that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot loaf pan when removing it from the oven.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the breadcrumbs, milk, and worcestershire sauce ahead of time.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients using a food processor to save time.
Line the loaf pan: Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze one meatloaf for a future meal.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you mix the ingredients to save time.
Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 small Onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ cup Ketchup for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, salt, pepper, chopped onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Spread the ketchup evenly on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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