Meatloaf is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families across America for generations. There’s just something so comforting about a warm slice of meatloaf smothered in a rich, savory sauce. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
At first glance, you might think that meatloaf is a simple and easy dish to make. After all, it’s just a combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and some spices, right? But the truth is, there are many different variations of meatloaf, each boasting its unique set of flavors and textures.
So if you’re looking for the ultimate meatloaf recipe, look no further than these two mouth-watering options we’ve found for you.
First up, we have a classic meatloaf recipe that is sure to impress even the toughest of critics. This recipe uses a combination of ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices to create a flavorful and moist meatloaf that will be the star of your dinner table.
To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine two pounds of ground beef, two eggs, one cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of diced onion, three cloves of minced garlic, and one teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and paprika. Use your hands to mix all of the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Next, transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees F. While the meatloaf is baking, you can prepare the sauce.
To make the sauce, combine 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle the sauce over the top of the meatloaf, and garnish with chopped parsley or basil, if desired.
The result? A mouth-watering meatloaf that is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Looking to take your meatloaf game to the next level? Check out this second recipe that uses a combination of beef and pork to create a meatloaf that is even more flavorful and moist than the classic version.
To start, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine one pound of ground beef, one pound of ground pork, two eggs, one cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of diced onion, three cloves of minced garlic, and one teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Use your hands to mix all of the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Next, transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, and bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees F. While the meatloaf is baking, you can prepare the glaze.
To make the glaze, combine 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, and garnish with chopped parsley or basil, if desired.
The result? A meatloaf that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of beef and pork gives this dish an extra dimension of flavor that you won’t find in a traditional meatloaf.
No matter which recipe you choose, one thing is for sure: meatloaf is one dish that never goes out of style. So go ahead and whip up a batch of your own, and enjoy this classic favorite with your loved ones tonight.