The Best Meatloaf Ever is a comforting dish that perfectly combines lean ground beef with a blend of savory spices and a delicious homemade sauce. This recipe is not only easy to make but also suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Each slice of this meatloaf promises a satisfying taste and texture that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a hearty meal that requires minimal effort.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and sauces gives this meatloaf an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile: Perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or in sandwiches the next day.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing flavor.
- Family-Friendly: This classic dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for any dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
To create The Best Meatloaf Ever, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: This is crucial for shaping your meatloaf and ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time.
- Small saucepan: Use this to prepare the homemade sauce that tops the meatloaf.
Ingredients
This meatloaf recipe is made of lean ground beef mixed with a savory combination of seasonings and topped off with a delicious homemade meatloaf sauce.
For the Meatloaf
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion, (chopped)
- 2 pounds lean chicken hamburger
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Make The Best Meatloaf Ever
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with spoons or hands until fully combined.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into the well-greased loaf pan.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the ingredients for the sauce. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf
Pour half of the sauce over the meatloaf. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Add More Sauce
Remove from the oven and add the rest of the sauce on top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious The Best Meatloaf Ever!
How to Serve The Best Meatloaf Ever
Serving meatloaf can be as satisfying as making it. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience and complement The Best Meatloaf Ever.
Classic Comfort
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes pair perfectly with meatloaf, soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Green Beans – Steamed or sautéed green beans add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Unique Twists
- Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, serve meatloaf over cauliflower rice, which absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add a delightful sweetness that contrasts well with the savory meatloaf.
- Stuffed Peppers – For an adventurous twist, serve slices of meatloaf in halved bell peppers, adding a colorful presentation.
Fresh Salad Options
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan and croutons makes for a refreshing side.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the richness of the meatloaf.
How to Perfect The Best Meatloaf Ever
Perfecting your meatloaf can make all the difference. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.
- Bold seasoning – Don’t be shy with your spices; they bring flavor depth. Experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano for added taste.
- Moisture matters – Ensure your mixture is moist but not soggy. Adding soaked bread crumbs can help retain moisture while cooking.
- Resting time – Allow your meatloaf to rest after baking. This helps redistribute juices for a moist slice every time.
- Sauce it right – Applying sauce both before and after baking enhances flavor and creates a delicious glaze on top.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Meatloaf Ever
Pairing sides with your meatloaf can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider.
- Garlic Bread – A crusty loaf slathered in garlic butter complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide color and nutrition on your plate.
- Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream or chives are classic accompaniments that everyone enjoys.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese adds comfort and richness that pairs well with hearty meatloaf.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Roasted Brussels sprouts deliver crunch and bitterness that contrast nicely against the sweetness of ketchup in the meatloaf sauce.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad featuring fresh herbs and lemon dressing offers a healthy balance to this rich dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making meatloaf can be straightforward, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch for:
Boldly skip the eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together. Omitting them can lead to a crumbly loaf. Always include them for the best texture.
Boldly ignore seasoning: A bland meatloaf is disappointing. Use sufficient salt, pepper, and spices to enhance flavor. Taste your mixture before baking to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
Boldly overmix the ingredients: Mixing too much can make the meatloaf tough. Combine just until everything is incorporated for a tender texture.
Boldly neglect to check doneness: Underbaking may leave you with unsafe meatloaf, while overbaking dries it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F.
Boldly skimp on resting time: Cutting into the meatloaf too soon can cause juices to run out, leading to dryness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing for juiciness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For best quality, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Freezing The Best Meatloaf Ever
- Wrap slices or whole loaves in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags.
- Meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date so you know when it was stored.
Reheating The Best Meatloaf Ever
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: Cut into slices and heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Best Meatloaf Ever made of?
The Best Meatloaf Ever features lean ground beef mixed with eggs, bread crumbs, seasonings, and topped with a flavorful sauce, ensuring each bite is delicious.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey for beef in The Best Meatloaf Ever recipe for a leaner option while still maintaining great flavor and texture.
How do I customize The Best Meatloaf Ever?
Feel free to add your favorite herbs or vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to customize The Best Meatloaf Ever according to your taste preferences.
What should I serve with The Best Meatloaf Ever?
Pair The Best Meatloaf Ever with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a classic comfort meal that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
The Best Meatloaf Ever is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients and flavors based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty meal that brings comfort and satisfaction.
The Best Meatloaf Ever
The Best Meatloaf Ever is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings families together around the dinner table. Made with lean ground beef and a blend of savory spices, this meatloaf is topped with a rich homemade sauce that adds an irresistible touch. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a satisfying texture and taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides or be transformed into sandwiches for lunch the next day.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the greased loaf pan.
- For the sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan; bring to a boil and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Pour half of the sauce over the meatloaf and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add the remaining sauce on top and bake for another 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg