Description
This Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatloaf recipe is a comforting classic perfect for family dinners. Made with ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, and a flavorful blend of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, this meatloaf is moist, tender, and packed with savory goodness. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, it yields six hearty servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the meatloaf.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, plain breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley if using. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it evenly into a loaf.
- Add Glaze (Optional): For a sweet and tangy glaze, spread extra ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatloaf is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and tender.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of fat to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Cooking times may vary depending on oven; use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juices.
