Meatloaf Recipe

Tantalize your taste buds with a hearty classic meatloaf recipe; discover why it’s the ultimate comfort food. Try it tonight.

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe is a must-try for its comforting flavors and simplicity. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

You’ll love how easy it’s to prepare, with just a handful of pantry staples. The dish bakes up tender and juicy, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.

Plus, leftovers make for delicious sandwiches the next day!

Recipe

classic comforting meatloaf recipe

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that combines ground meat with a blend of seasonings and binders to create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.

This timeless recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here’s how to make a delicious meatloaf that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overworking the meat.
  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Spread a thin layer of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  6. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes:

  • For a tangier glaze, mix ketchup with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a teaspoon of mustard before spreading it on top.
  • Add grated carrots or celery to the mixture for extra vegetables.
  • Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches the next day.

Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Serving: 6-8

Nutrition

Meatloaf is a hearty dish packed with protein and essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:

NutrientAmount
Calories250
Protein20g
Fat15g
Carbohydrates10g
Fiber1g
Sodium500mg

What To Serve With It

A classic comfort dish like this deserves sides that complement its rich, savory flavors without stealing the spotlight.

I love pairing meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables—they’re simple yet satisfying. A tangy green salad or steamed green beans adds a fresh crunch that balances the meal.

Sometimes, I’ll whip up honey-glazed carrots or garlic butter corn for a touch of sweetness.

And who can forget warm, crusty bread to soak up the juices?

These sides enhance the meatloaf without overpowering it, creating a cozy, well-rounded dinner that feels like a hug on a plate.

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