The Ultimate Classic Meatloaf Better Than Your Nans

Get Ready for the Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever!

Fancy a bit of comfort food that's like a warm hug? Have you been searching for the best meatloaf recipe , like, the best meatloaf ever recipe ? Honestly, this is it.

This recipe will turn you into a meatloaf maestro!

This classic meatloaf recipe comes from the good old USA. It's simple, yet iconic! It's proper easy best meatloaf recipe to be honest.

It only takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Perfect for a family of 6-8.

Why This Juicy Meatloaf Recipe Rocks

We are talking about one seriously tasty and moist meatloaf recipes best easy ! This is the ground beef meatloaf recipe to end all other recipes.

Serve it up on a Sunday and watch everyone's faces light up. It's the ultimate comfort food.

What Makes This Meatloaf Special?

The secret is in the Worcestershire sauce, you know? It adds a cheeky umami kick. Plus, the homemade meatloaf glaze is tangy and sweet. Trust me, this recipe is the bees knees!

Here's your cracking list of ingredients for the Best Meatloaf

Ready to dive in? You will need your minced beef, pork, onion, carrot and other cracking bits and bobs. Don't worry, it's all listed out below.

Let's get started and make this great meatloaf recipes !

It all begins with "the sauce"

Worcestershire adds a special dimension with its savory tang and complex depth, it really elevates our humble meatloaf to new heights! Don't skip this step or substitute it, you need the Wooster sauce!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever

Alright, listen up! We’re about to tackle the Best Meatloaf Recipe ever. Seriously, this is comfort food at its finest. Think juicy meatloaf recipe , not dry and boring!

Main Ingredients for a Great Meatloaf Recipes

Here's what you'll need.

• Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (680g). Go for 80/20 for that perfect fat ratio, trust me.
• Ground Pork: 0.5 lbs (227g). Adds a depth of flavour.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely diced. About a cup.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't skimp!
• Carrot: 1 medium, finely grated. Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Celery: 1 stalk, finely diced.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten. Helps bind everything.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (120g). Makes it light, you can use normal Meatloaf Recipes With Bread , if needed
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml). Keeps it moist.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml). The secret ingredient!
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons .
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon .
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Salt: 1 teaspoon .
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons .

Quality is key, especially with the ground beef . Look for bright red colour and a good sell-by date. This impacts the entire flavour profile of easy best meatloaf recipe .

Seasoning Notes: That Flavour Bomb

Seasoning is where the magic happens for a classic meatloaf recipe . Thyme and oregano are your base. The smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. Worcestershire sauce? Non-negotiable!

No smoked paprika? Normal paprika is fine in a pinch. Just add a dash of liquid smoke. Honestly, even some good quality barbecue sauce can do the trick!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets to make a fantastic ground beef meatloaf recipe .

• Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing everything together.
• 9x5 inch Loaf Pan: The vessel for your masterpiece.
• Small Saucepan: For the glaze.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, right?
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial to avoid overcooking!

No loaf pan? A casserole dish works too. Just adjust the baking time, ok? This moist meatloaf recipes best easy equipment list ensures the best results. Now, let's get cooking!

The Ultimate Classic Meatloaf (Better Than Your Nan’s!)

Alright, mate! Let's whip up the best meatloaf recipe this side of the pond! We're talking classic comfort food meatloaf , the kind your Nan used to make (maybe with a few chef-y upgrades).

This ain’t no dry, flavourless brick; we're going for moist meatloaf savoury, and utterly delicious. Honestly, my first few meatloaf attempts were.

.. let's just say less than stellar. A proper disaster. They were dry, crumbly things. This recipe? It's a game changer.

This isn’t your average meatloaf. We're talking a blend of ground meats, a secret ingredient (shhh… it's Worcestershire sauce!), and a tangy glaze that caramelizes to perfection.

This recipe harkens back to the classic American comfort food meatloaf tradition but elevates it with modern techniques and flavour combinations.

Expect a juicy meatloaf recipe that will become a family favourite. This is, without a doubt, the best meatloaf ever recipe I've ever encountered.

Prep Steps for a Cracking Meatloaf

• Essential mise en place: Finely dice one medium yellow onion. Mince two cloves of garlic. Grate one medium carrot and dice one celery stalk. This makes life way easier. It's the secret to any easy best meatloaf recipe .
• Time saving organization tips: Measure out all your spices beforehand. Honestly, it saves so much faffing about later.
• Safety reminders: When handling raw meat, wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. You know? Just common sense stuff.

step-by-step: The Easy Way to the Best Meatloaf Ever Recipe

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs of ground beef, 0.5 lbs of ground pork, the sautéed veggies, 1 lightly beaten large egg, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands. Don't overmix!
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Gently press it down evenly.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened.
5. Bake the Meatloaf: Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 50 minutes .
6. Glaze and Finish: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10- 15 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F ( 71° C) and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for an Awesome Meatloaf

• Don't overmix. Overmixing = tough meatloaf. Just combine gently. Honestly, it's the key!
• Common mistakes to avoid: Not letting it rest. Seriously, that resting time is crucial for a juicy meatloaf recipe.
• Add Moisture: The milk soaked breadcrumbs help keep the meatloaf tender. Don't skip this step!

So there you have it, a recipe so good it's practically criminal. Get cooking and impress your mates with the great meatloaf recipes .

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Meatloaf Game

Right then, you've got the best meatloaf recipe ready to rock and roll. But, before you chuck it in the oven, let's have a chinwag about a few extras.

Honestly, these tips will take your comfort food meatloaf from 'alright' to 'Oh my gosh!'.

Serving Suggestions: Posh Nosh and Perfect Pairings

Let’s get a bit fancy, shall we? Plating is dead simple. Slice your juicy meatloaf recipe nice and thick. Fan those slices on the plate.

Drizzle a bit of the glaze over. Sorted! For sides, think classic. Mashed potatoes are a must. Roasted veg are always a winner.

Broccoli or carrots bring a bit of colour to the plate. A cracking side dish like green bean casserole is always a hit.

How about a crisp, dry cider or a nice Merlot? They are great for washing it down.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, you’ve made a mountain of easy best meatloaf recipe . Now what? Fear not! For the fridge, wrap it tight in cling film or put it in an airtight container.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. Wanna freeze it? Slice it up before you freeze it! That way, you can grab a slice or two when you need it.

Wrap each slice individually, then chuck 'em in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, oven's always best.

A low heat is key. About 150° C ( 300° F) for 15- 20 minutes does the trick. You can also microwave it, but honestly, it's not the same.

Variations: Switch it Up!

Fancy a bit of a change? Let's talk variations. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Easy peasy! For a lighter take, use ground turkey instead of beef.

Don’t forget a few tweaks to the seasoning. It keeps the flavour punchy, you know? As for seasonal swaps, in the autumn, try adding some grated apple or butternut squash.

Seriously! It gives the meatloaf a lovely, sweet touch.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Slice

Right, let's keep it simple. A slice of this ground beef meatloaf recipe is packed with protein. Essential for muscle building and feeling full.

There’s also a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the veggies. Just remember that the glaze adds a bit of sugar.

So, maybe don't go too heavy on it if you're watching your intake, eh?

So there you have it. The best meatloaf ever recipe with all the trimmings. Hopefully, these great meatloaf recipes have made your mouth water and that it becomes your best easy meatloaf recipe .

Now, go forth and make some moist meatloaf recipes best easy ! You've got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to making the best meatloaf recipe that isn't dry?

The key to a moist meatloaf is moisture! Adding milk soaked breadcrumbs is essential, and be sure not to overmix the ingredients, as this toughens the meat. A little bit of liquid like beef broth in the bottom of the pan also helps create a moist environment during baking.

Think of it like a Sunday roast - juicy is the goal!

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken in this best meatloaf recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef and pork. Turkey meatloaf can be just as delicious, though it might be slightly drier, so consider adding a touch more milk or a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture.

Also, remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as poultry usually cooks a bit faster.

How do I store leftover meatloaf, and how long will it last?

Leftover meatloaf is a treat for a sandwich the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices of meatloaf for up to 2-3 months.

Just wrap them individually in cling film before putting them in a freezer bag for easy defrosting and portioning perfect for a quick midweek meal!

Can I prepare the best meatloaf recipe ahead of time?

You certainly can! Assembling the meatloaf a day in advance can actually enhance the flavours. Just prepare the mixture, shape it in the loaf pan, cover it tightly with cling film, and refrigerate.

When you're ready to bake, just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand to take the chill off, glaze it, and pop it in the oven.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this best meatloaf recipe?

Meatloaf is proper comfort food, so classic sides work brilliantly. Mashed potatoes and gravy are a must, or try roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Green bean casserole adds a touch of retro charm, and a simple side salad can balance out the richness.

Ultimately, it's all about what tickles your fancy go for whatever makes your taste buds sing!