Meatloaf

 Classic Meatloaf 🍖🍅🍞

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2 pounds (900g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean)

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned) 🍞

1/2 cup finely chopped onion 🧅

2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1/2 cup milk 🥛

2 large eggs 🥚🥚

1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping) 🍅

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt 🧂

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning 🌿

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) 🌱

For the Glaze:

1/3 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the meatloaf keep its shape and makes cleanup easier.

2. Mix the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley if using.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.

Pour the wet mixture into the meat mixture. Using your hands (clean ones!), gently mix everything until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this keeps the meatloaf tender.

3. Shape the Meatloaf:

Transfer the mixture to your loaf pan or baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 8x4 inches. Press gently to make sure it holds together but don’t pack it too tightly.

4. Prepare the Glaze:

In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread half of this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze caramelizes in the oven to give the meatloaf a tangy-sweet finish.

5. Bake the Meatloaf:

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Then, spread the remaining glaze over the top and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Rest and Serve:

Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, so when you slice it, the meat stays moist and juicy.

Serving Suggestions:

Meatloaf is great with classic mashed potatoes 🥔 and steamed green beans or a fresh side salad 🥗. You can also slice it for sandwiches the next day — delicious cold or reheated!

Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf:

Meat choice: For juicy meatloaf, 80% lean ground beef is ideal. You can mix in some ground pork or veal for more flavor.

Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal work well too.

Add veggies: For extra nutrition, finely grate carrots or zucchini and mix them in.

Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat makes it dense and tough. Mix just until combined.

Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out your meatloaf.

Enjoy your hearty, comforting hom

emade meatloaf! 🍽️😋 If you want, I can also give you recipes for mashed potatoes or gravy to go with it.