Homemade meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to prepare and full of savory flavors. Here’s a basic recipe for making a delicious meatloaf:
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (you can also use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork or ground turkey)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, eggs, 1/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients together until everything is well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to do this, but don’t overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients: 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it’s cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice the meatloaf into portions and serve hot.
Feel free to customize your meatloaf by adding ingredients like diced mushrooms, grated cheese, or herbs to the meat mixture for additional flavor and texture. Meatloaf is often served with mashed potatoes and a vegetable side for a classic, hearty meal. Enjoy your homemade meatloaf!
