Mom’s Best Meatloaf

There’s something undeniably comforting about a juicy, hearty meatloaf. I can still remember the first time I had Mom’s Best Meatloaf – a masterpiece she crafted in our cozy kitchen, the aroma wafting through the house like a warm hug. It was a chill Sunday, and her sly smile hinted that something special was in the works. Meatloaf, a dish that often gets a bad rap, was transformed into a family favorite. Mom’s secret? A combination of familiar flavors mixed with a generous dollop of love.

Now, let’s dive into why you’ll want to make this tonight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about comfort food, isn’t there? This meatloaf is a tender, savory delight that can jubilate your taste buds and bring a smile to the grumpiest of faces. With every bite, you’re reminded of home—where hearty meals and laughter filled the air.

This meatloaf isn’t just any ordinary recipe. It’s a symphony of flavors—juicy ground beef, zesty onion, and a tangy, sweet glaze that brings everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s versatile! Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even on a sandwich the next day, it never disappoints.

Each slice of this meatloaf is a bite into nostalgia, bringing back memories of family dinners and shared moments. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm blanket on a cold night. Trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll cement itself into your regular meal rotation.

Gather These Ingredients

Now, let’s chat about what you need to whip up this culinary hug:

• 1 pound ground beef: The star of our show! This is where the magic begins. I recommend using a mix with a bit of fat—it keeps the meatloaf juicy and flavorful.

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These little bits provide structure. You can use plain or seasoned, depending on how adventurous you feel.

• 1/2 cup chopped onion: Fresh, aromatic, and a flavor powerhouse! Onions add that subtle sweetness that balances beautifully in the meatloaf.

• 1/4 cup milk: This adds moisture without making the loaf too soggy. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to substitute with plant milk.

• 1 egg: This little gem binds everything together, ensuring our loaf doesn’t fall apart when you slice it.

• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for boosting all those lovely flavors. Adjust to taste if you’re watching your sodium!

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: A touch of heat—always vital to awaken your taste buds.

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It gives depth and enhances the savory aspect of the meat.

• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This tangy elixir is like a flavor ninja, sneaking in umami notes you didn’t even know you needed.

• 1 cup ketchup: The magic glaze! A sweet and tangy topping that seals the deal on flavor.

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: The secret element in the glaze that adds a delightful sweetness and balances out the acidity of the ketchup.

Preparing Mom’s Best Meatloaf

Alright, friend, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to transform those marvelous ingredients into a comforting meal:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Just like a good hug, we want things nice and warm before we dive in.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands—it’s the best way to mix everything evenly! Don’t be shy; this is where the magic happens. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that.

3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. Make sure it’s not too thick or it won’t cook through properly—aim for a classic loaf shape!

4. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar. This is the topping of dreams! Spread this glaze generously over the meatloaf. Feel free to get creative with it—smoothing and layering as you like.

5. Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Keep an eye on it as it bakes—the aroma will have everyone in the house dreaming of dinner.

6. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making every slice perfect.

How to Serve It

Now, how do we elevate our meatloaf experience? Here’s the scoop:

• Slicing it up: Present it on a big platter to make it feel special. You can drizzle some of the leftover glaze over the slices for a burst of flavor.

• Best sides: Creamy mashed potatoes and green beans add that classic feel. Or, for a fresh twist, why not pair with a zesty salad? Feel free to explore!

• Leftover magic: Put those extras in a sandwich with a little lettuce and more ketchup, and you of course will get that comforting vibe all over again.

Storage and Reheating Tips

So, what if you find yourself with meatloaf leftovers? Here’s what to do:

• Storage: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

• Freezing: You can also slice and freeze it for up to three months! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping.

• Reheating: The microwave is quick, but for best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. A splash of milk before heating can revive those flavors!

Pro Chef Tips

Let’s perfect your meatloaf, shall we?

• Game changer: For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs lightly before adding them in. It’s that little push that adds depth.

• Don’t skip the resting time: This lets the juices settle and makes slicing easier. You don’t want it crumbling apart on you!

• Ditch the beef: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even make it veggie by using mashed beans and quinoa.

Creative Variations

Feel like shaking things up? Here are some fun ideas:

• Spicy: Add some chili flakes or diced jalapeños into the mix for a kick!

• Cheesy goodness: Fold in shredded cheese for a gooey surprise in every slice.

• Herbaceous touch: Add chopped parsley or Italian seasoning to freshen things up.

• Change the glaze: Swap out ketchup for barbecue sauce or a homemade tomato sauce for a different depth of flavor.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions to Follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, combine ketchup and brown sugar. Spread the mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Your Questions Answered

• What is the prep time?: About 15 minutes, so perfect for a busy weeknight!

• Can I use other meats?: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work beautifully; just take care to adjust the cooking time as needed.

• How do I make it gluten-free?: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is safe.

• What’s the best way to reheat?: Either microwave or oven, just remember to add a bit of moisture back into it before reheating!

• How do I know if it’s done?: Use a meat thermometer to check for 160°F (70°C)—it takes the guesswork out!

The wonderful thing about cooking is how it can connect us—whether it’s feeding ourselves or sharing with loved ones. This meatloaf isn’t just any dish; it’s a love letter from kitchens everywhere. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and make some magic happen! I can’t wait to hear how your meatloaf turns out!

Print Recipe

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Mom’s Best Meatloaf

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 80 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: All Year

Description

Experience the nostalgia of family dinners with this juicy meatloaf, made with a blend of ground beef, spices, and a sweet tangy glaze that will warm your heart.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (Use beef with some fat for juiciness.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs (Plain or seasoned based on preference.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped onion (Fresh for the best flavor.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk (Dairy-free options available.)
• 1 piece egg (Binds the ingredients together.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground black pepper (For added flavor.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder (Enhances the savory taste.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Adds umami flavor.)
• 1 cup ketchup (For the glaze.)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (Balances the glaze's acidity.)

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   A warm oven is essential for cooking the meatloaf evenly.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined.
   Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the loaf dense.
   Mark as complete

3. Shape the Loaf

   Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
   Keep the loaf at a classic shape, not too thick.
   Mark as complete

4. Prepare the Glaze

   In a small bowl, combine ketchup and brown sugar. Spread the mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
   Generously glaze the meatloaf for added flavor.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake

   Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
   Watch for the delicious aroma as it cooks.
   Mark as complete

6. Rest and Serve

   Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
   Resting helps the juices redistribute.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 6g

Protein 24g48%

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Vitamin A 10 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 1 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 5 mcg

Vitamin B12 2.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

Keywords: meatloaf, comfort food, family recipe, easy dinner