Best Always Perfect Meatloaf Recipes

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MEAT LOAF



Meat Loaf image

Nothing says classic comfort like Ina Garten's Meatloaf recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon good olive oil
3 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs (recommended: Progresso)
2 extra-large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.

THE BEST MEATLOAF I'VE EVER MADE



The Best Meatloaf I've Ever Made image

When I was growing up, my mom never ever made meatloaf and I always wanted to try it - I finally tried it at a restaurant and loved it. When I moved out on my own I started experimenting with different recipes and creating my own version. I finally came up with the best meatloaf I have ever made, and I wanted to share it.

Provided by sillyliltracy

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
3 slices bread, toasted and crumbled
7 buttery round crackers, crushed
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 ½ tablespoons sour cream
1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the onion and garlic 5 minutes, until onion is tender. Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, mix the onion and garlic, beef, crumbled bread, crushed crackers, egg, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 can tomato sauce. Gradually stir in the milk 1 teaspoon at a time until mixture is moist, but not soggy. Transfer the mixture to a 5x9 inch loaf pan.
  • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 40 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), and continue baking 15 minutes, to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
  • In a small bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce and ketchup. Pour over the top of the meatloaf, and continue baking 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 212.6 calories, Carbohydrate 8.7 g, Cholesterol 76.1 mg, Fat 11.6 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 17.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 648.6 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

BEST EVER MEATLOAF I



Best Ever Meatloaf I image

This is a very quick and easy meatloaf!!

Provided by MYSST

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 cup tomato juice
¾ cup rolled oats
1 egg
¼ cup chopped onion
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, combine meat, tomato juice, oats, egg, chopped onion, salt and pepper. Mix lightly but thoroughly. Press into 8x4 inch loaf pan.
  • Bake for 1 hour, or until meat is no longer pink and juices run clear. Drain. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.8 calories, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 87.1 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 216.6 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

ALL AMERICAN MEATLOAF



All American Meatloaf image

I discovered this recipe when I was pregnant with my first child. This is the only meatloaf recipe my family allows me to make still. It can be frozen ahead.

Provided by It's A New Day

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds ground beef
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 onion, chopped
½ cup milk
2 eggs
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons ketchup
4 slices Cheddar cheese, halved

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Mix ground beef, quick oats, onion, milk, eggs, 1/4 cup ketchup, parsley, garlic, salt, basil, and black pepper together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined; pat the mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  • Bake meatloaf in the preheated oven until firm and no longer pink inside, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meat loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
  • Remove from oven, spread 2 tablespoons ketchup over loaf, and top with Cheddar cheese slices; return to oven and bake until cheese has melted, about 5 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344.1 calories, Carbohydrate 12.3 g, Cholesterol 133.6 mg, Fat 20.6 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 595.4 mg, Sugar 4.1 g

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Meatloaf is a popular dish that is widely enjoyed in various parts of the world. It is a versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. However, not everyone can get it right when preparing meatloaf, leaving some with dry, overcooked or under-seasoned meatloaf. In this article, we will discuss the key components that make a perfect meatloaf recipe.

1. The Meat

The type of meat used in preparing a meatloaf can make or break the dish. You can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, veal or pork, or a combination of any of these meats. The best meats for meatloaf should have a good balance of fat and lean meat. The fat provides flavor, while the lean meat provides texture and structure.
2. The Binder
The binder is an important component of a meatloaf recipe. It is what holds the meat together and prevents it from falling apart when cooked. Common binders used in meatloaf include bread crumbs, oatmeal, crushed crackers, or even mashed potatoes. Eggs are another important binder that provides moisture and texture to the meatloaf.
3. The Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your meatloaf not only adds flavor, but also provides added nutrition to your meal. Vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and garlic are commonly used in meatloaf recipes. They can be sautéed and added to the meat mixture, or they can be grated and added to the binder.
4. Seasonings and Spices
The right blend of seasonings and spices can enhance the flavor of your meatloaf. Common spices used in meatloaf include salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, and basil can also be used to add flavor to your meatloaf.
5. The Cooking Method
There are different ways to cook meatloaf, but the most common method is baking. When baking your meatloaf, ensure that the oven is preheated to the right temperature. A preheated oven ensures proper cooking and prevents the meat from drying out. The cooking time for meatloaf varies depending on the size and thickness of the meatloaf.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a perfect meatloaf recipe is a combination of several key components. The right meat, binder, vegetables, seasonings, and cooking method must be used to create a delicious and well-balanced meal. With these components in place, your meatloaf is sure to come out perfect every time. Happy cooking!
Tips for Making the Perfect Meatloaf Recipe Meatloaf is one of the most popular comfort foods around, and with good reason. It's easy to make, it's delicious, and it's a great way to use up leftovers. However, getting it just right can be a bit tricky. If your meatloaf is too dense, too dry, too greasy, or too plain, you may need a few tips to help you achieve the perfect meatloaf recipe. Here are some tried-and-true tips for making the perfect meatloaf, every time. Choose the Right Meat The key to making a great meatloaf is choosing the right meat. You want to use a combination of beef, pork, and veal for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner meatloaf, go for ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of ground beef and turkey. Avoid using only lean ground beef or the meatloaf will be dry and crumbly. Seasoning is Key Seasoning is the key to any great dish, and meatloaf is no exception. Adding a variety of seasonings can give your meatloaf that perfect flavor profile. Common seasonings include Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, herbs like thyme or rosemary, and different types of mustard. Depending on your tastes you can also add hot sauce, bacon, cheese, salsa, or BBQ sauce. Use Binders to Keep Your Meatloaf Together If you've ever made a meatloaf that crumbles apart as soon as you try to slice it, then you know the importance of using binders to keep your meatloaf together. Breadcrumbs, rolled oats, or crushed crackers are the most commonly used binders. You can also add an egg, which helps to bind everything together. Mix Your Ingredients Gently The key to a perfect meatloaf is to mix all the ingredients gently. You need to mix just enough to combine everything, but not so much that the meatloaf becomes tough. If you overwork the meatloaf, it can become dense and dry. Also, avoid overpacking the meat mixture in the loaf pan. It's important to have some air between the meat and the pan so that the meatloaf can cook evenly. Bake Your Meatloaf in a Loaf Pan Baking your meatloaf in a loaf pan helps to prevent it from drying out. It also helps to keep the meatloaf in shape. Always spray the pan with cooking spray or use parchment paper to prevent the meat from sticking. Parchment paper also makes it easy to remove the meatloaf from the pan and slice it without breaking apart. Use a Meat Thermometer Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your meatloaf is cooked to perfection. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F. To avoid overcooking, remove the meatloaf from the oven when it reaches 155°F as it will continue to cook as it rests. Let Your Meatloaf Rest When your meatloaf is done cooking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf juicier and more flavorful. If you slice the meatloaf too soon, the juices will run out, leaving you with a dry, flavorless meatloaf. Experiment with Different Toppings A great way to add some extra flavor to your meatloaf is to experiment with different toppings. Ketchup is a classic topping, but you can also try BBQ sauce, tomato sauce or gravy. Other toppings that can add some extra crunch to your meatloaf include crispy bacon, fried onions, or sautéed mushrooms. Conclusion There's nothing quite like a delicious, comforting meatloaf, but it can be tricky to get it just right. By following these tips, you'll be able to create the perfect meatloaf recipe every time. Remember to choose the right meat, season your meatloaf well, use binders to keep it together, mix gently, bake in a loaf pan, use a meat thermometer, let it rest, and experiment with different toppings. With these tips in mind, you'll impress your family and friends with your always-perfect meatloaf!

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