A homemade meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s simple to make and always satisfying. It combines ground meat (usually beef, but you can also use a mix of pork and beef) with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Here’s a delicious recipe for a classic homemade meatloaf:
Homemade Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh, but dried work too)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
For the Meatloaf Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan and press it down evenly to form a compact loaf. Alternatively, you can shape the meatloaf by hand and place it on a lined baking sheet.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust if you want more sweetness, tang, or heat.
- Glaze the meatloaf: Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, making sure it’s evenly covered. You can reserve a little glaze for serving later.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you’re using a loaf pan, the top may get a little soft, so you can carefully drain any excess fat after baking. If you’re using a baking sheet, you might get a nice, crispy crust around the edges.
- Rest before slicing: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with extra glaze on the side if desired. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.
Tips:
- Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even stale bread (just toast it and break it into small pieces).
- Meat combinations: You can mix beef, pork, and even a bit of veal for a more flavorful meatloaf.
- Cheese: For an extra indulgent meatloaf, try adding shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) inside the meatloaf or on top of the glaze.
- Make-ahead: Meatloaf is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge for a day or two, and reheat it when needed.
Homemade meatloaf is a hearty, flavorful dish that gets better with leftovers. The glaze adds a wonderful touch of sweetness and tang, making it the perfect comfort food
