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Best Meatloaf Recipe

Best Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy Comfort Food for Everyone

A family-friendly, customizable recipe for the best meatloaf, combining savory beef and zesty glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20) swap for ground turkey for lighter option
  • 1 medium onion or shallots/leeks as substitute
  • 1 tablespoon butter for sautéing onions
  • 2 large eggs essential for binding
  • 1/2 cup milk non-dairy option for lactose-free
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs gluten-free option available
  • 1/3 cup ketchup or chili sauce BBQ sauce works as alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning can substitute with fresh herbs
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar optional for glaze
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup ketchup base for glaze
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar optional for personal preference

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • baking pan
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the baking pan with aluminum foil and cooking spray.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then sauté chopped onion for about 5 minutes until translucent, then cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs; let sit for about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Add soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, sautéed onions, ketchup, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl and gently mix.
  5. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the baking pan.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  7. Mix together ketchup and brown sugar for the topping.
  8. Spread the topping over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes.
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Customize your meatloaf with different spices and toppings. For easy cleanup, bake in one pan and use the same for glazing.

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