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Best Meatloaf Recipe

Best Meatloaf Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

This Best Meatloaf Recipe delivers a juicy and flavorful classic comfort food, combining ground beef with a savory mix of seasonings and a sweet, tangy barbecue glaze. Perfectly baked and topped with a caramelized sauce, it’s an easy, satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs (1 slice of bread made into bread crumbs)
  • ½ cup onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and set aside. This glaze will add a sweet and tangy finish to your meatloaf.
  3. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, barbecue sauce, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
  4. Add the Meat and Veggies: Add the ground beef, finely diced onions, and bread crumbs to the wet ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly mixed without overworking the meat.
  5. Prepare the Baking Setup: Line a wire rack with aluminum foil and poke holes in the foil to allow juices to drain. Place the rack on a large baking sheet.
  6. Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a large loaf approximately 10 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2 inches tall. Place it on the prepared wire rack.
  7. First Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow it to cook through partially.
  8. Add the Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top to add flavor and moisture.
  9. Final Bake: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
  10. Caramelize the Top (Optional): If desired, broil the meatloaf for 2 to 4 minutes to caramelize the glaze, creating a beautiful golden crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist and flavorful serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh ground beef with a 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the juiciest meatloaf.
  • Make sure not to overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture.
  • The wire rack helps drain excess fat and keeps the meatloaf moist.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking to retain its juices.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or oats.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 160°F.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, comfort food, baked meatloaf, easy meatloaf

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/best-meatloaf-recipe/