A Great Meatloaf Recipe That Will Make You the Star of the Next Family Dinner
Meatloaf. The very word conjures up images of cozy family dinners, comforting aromas, and a hearty meal that satisfies everyone. But let's face it, a truly great meatloaf can be elusive. Too dry, too bland, or just plain boring are common complaints. This recipe is designed to avoid all those pitfalls, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and utterly delicious meatloaf that will become a family favorite.
The Secret to a Moist and Flavorful Meatloaf
The key to a perfect meatloaf lies in a few simple secrets:
- The Right Blend of Meats: We're using a combination of ground beef and ground pork for optimal moisture and flavor. The pork adds richness and juiciness that beef alone can't match.
- Breadcrumbs and Liquid: Don't skip the breadcrumbs! They act as a binder, holding the meatloaf together. Adding a little milk or beaten egg helps keep things moist.
- Flavor Boosters: A well-seasoned meatloaf is a must. We'll use a blend of savory spices, along with some Worcestershire sauce and ketchup for depth of flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Rest & Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Meatloaf Mastery:
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of moist meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through without drying out.
- Glaze It Up (Optional): For extra flavor and a beautiful sheen, brush the top of the meatloaf with extra ketchup during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like caramelized onions, bacon crumbles, or even a sprinkle of cheese.
- Leftovers are Great!: Meatloaf reheats beautifully and is even more flavorful the next day!
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of ground beef and ground pork ensures juiciness, while the flavorful additions create a delicious meatloaf that is both moist and tender. Follow these simple steps and you'll be serving up a meatloaf that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy!
