Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe
This meatloaf recipe promises a perfectly moist and savory experience, far from the dry, bland versions of the past. With caramelized onions, herbs, and a flavorful topping, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Oven mitts
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian seasoned
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan and gently shape it into a loaf. Don't pack it too tightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Spread the topping evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a moister meatloaf, use an 80/20 ground beef blend and avoid overbaking. If the meatloaf is too greasy, use a leaner blend of ground beef or drain off excess grease during baking. To prevent the meatloaf from falling apart, ensure enough breadcrumbs and eggs are used. Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Try different toppings like BBQ sauce, mushroom gravy, brown sugar glaze, or spicy sriracha glaze. Experiment with fall flavors by adding apple cider, pumpkin puree, dried cranberries, or fresh sage and thyme. Consider topping with mashed potatoes. Variations include Italian meatloaf, Mexican meatloaf, turkey meatloaf, and vegetarian meatloaf.