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To make a great meatloaf, you need these main ingredients: - 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80% lean) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1/2 cup milk - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper These key ingredients create a moist and flavorful meatloaf. The ground beef gives it richness, while the breadcrumbs help bind it together. The Parmesan adds depth, and the veggies make it colorful and healthy. You can add some fun flavors with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1/4 cup grated cheese (like cheddar) These add-ins let you put your spin on the meatloaf. Bell peppers add sweetness, while parsley brings freshness. Grated cheese can make it even creamier and tasty. The topping is just as important. You will need: - 1 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar This sweet and tangy glaze gives your meatloaf a nice finish. The ketchup keeps it moist, while the brown sugar adds a hint of caramel. The balsamic vinegar brings a nice zing to the flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the meatloaf cook evenly. Gather your ingredients in one place. You need ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, carrots, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Use your hands to blend them well. In another bowl, whisk the milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour this wet mix into the meat mixture. Combine gently but avoid overmixing. This keeps your meatloaf tender. Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Spread this glaze on top of your meatloaf. Bake it for one hour, or until it reaches 160°F (70°C). After baking, let it rest for ten minutes before slicing. Enjoy it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a homestyle meal. To keep your meatloaf moist, use 80% lean ground beef. This fat helps add flavor. Mixed in vegetables like carrots and onions also add moisture. Make sure to combine the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough. One common mistake is not measuring the ingredients. Too many breadcrumbs can dry it out. Another mistake is cooking at too high a temperature. Always bake at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. Lastly, don't skip the resting time after baking. This step helps keep the juices in. You can boost flavors by adding spices or herbs. Try a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky taste. You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. For a sweet touch, mix in a tablespoon of barbecue sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment! Pro Tips Use lean ground beef: Opt for 80% lean ground beef to ensure the meatloaf remains juicy without being overly greasy. Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid a dense texture; overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf. Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking; this helps the juices redistribute for a more flavorful slice. Customize your toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or glazes; variations like barbecue sauce or honey mustard can add a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can easily make this meatloaf gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Many stores offer good options. Just check the label to be sure. Adding veggies is a great idea. You can mix in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Shredded vegetables keep the meatloaf moist. They also add color and nutrition. Kids often enjoy the taste without even knowing! You can change the flavors to suit your taste. Swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce for a bolder flavor. Add some smoked paprika for a sweet and smoky twist. Or, mix in fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brightness. The options are endless! To store your meatloaf, let it cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it moist and fresh. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to four days. Always check for any off smells before you eat. If it smells funny, throw it away. Freezing meatloaf is easy. Start by slicing it into pieces. This makes it easier to thaw later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze meatloaf for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Put a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for one to two minutes. Check that it is hot all the way through. Enjoy your tasty meatloaf! Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center. The meat should not be pink, and juices should run clear. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it stay juicy and easy to slice. Yes, you can use ground turkey. It will create a lighter meatloaf. Keep in mind that turkey is leaner than beef. You may want to add a bit more moisture, like extra milk or some olive oil, to keep it juicy. Serve your meatloaf with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. These sides balance the meal and make it filling. You can also add a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients. You can store leftover meatloaf in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and ready for quick meals. Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day before. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This can save time and makes for a simple dinner. Just shape and bake it when you are ready. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty meatloaf with simple steps. You learned about key ingredients, helpful tips, and how to avoid common mistakes. We also covered variations and storage methods, ensuring your meatloaf stays fresh. Remember, you can add your own twist to this dish. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy creating your perfect meatloaf for any meal. Happy cooking!

Savory Homestyle Meatloaf

A delicious and hearty meatloaf made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a blend of savory ingredients, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the meat mixture and gently combine until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar for the glaze. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve slices of meatloaf on a warm plate with a drizzle of extra ketchup glaze and a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete homestyle meal.
Keyword beef, comfort food, meatloaf