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The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe - Easy Comfort Food Recipes

The aroma of meatloaf cooking in the oven is mesmerizing. It wafts through the house, wrapping you in a warm hug. Growing up, my mother made meatloaf almost every Sunday. I can recall the anticipation as I sat at the dinner table, eagerly awaiting that first slice. 
Meatloaf isn’t just food; it’s a cherished memory for many. Today, I want to share the recipe that I believe qualifies as the best classic meatloaf, complete with my own insights, stories, and tips along the way.
Sit back, maybe pour a glass of wine, and let’s explore this beloved dish from an angle that makes it feel entirely new while deeply familiar.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 267
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried bread crumbs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
For the Topping:
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, for a tangy depth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for added flavor

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-heated oven is key for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, beaten egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and diced onion. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spatula. Remember, overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, so just blend until combined.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
  1. Transfer the meat mixture to a grease-dusted loaf pan or shape it into a freeform loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for an even shape, keeping in mind that a more uniform loaf cooks through at the same rate.
Step 4: Mix the Topping
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. This will create your sweet-and-tangy topping. Spread it evenly over the top of your shaped meatloaf.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). You’ll know it’s done when the top is caramelized, and the edges are slightly crispy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
  1. Once it's ready, let the meatloaf rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful experience.

Notes

  • Utilize Equal Flavor Ratios: Maintain equal parts of meat and filler (like bread crumbs) for balance.
  • Upgrade Your Blend: Mix ground beef with pork or turkey for extra flavor.
  • Try Different Toppings: Experiment with barbecue sauce or salsa on top for a twist.
  • Add Flavor: Consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots for added veggies within the loaf.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook it fresh the next day for efficiency.