Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food, isn’t it? It’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can dress it up with various spices and sauces to suit your taste buds. Here’s a classic meatloaf recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. And hey, I’ll even throw in some delicious variations to spice things up!
Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
⅓ Cup ketchup
Preparation:
Preheat Oven: Let’s start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This step ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, chopped onion, milk, and dried bread crumbs. Don’t be shy—get your hands in there and mix everything together until it’s well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Shape and Bake: Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or baking dish, then transfer the meat mixture into it. Use your hands to shape it into a loaf. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about an hour. You’ll know it’s done when it’s cooked through and has a nice golden-brown crust on top.
Make the Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, let’s whip up the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup until well combined.
Glaze and Finish: Once the meatloaf has been in the oven for about 45 minutes, take it out and carefully spread the glaze over the top. Pop it back in the oven for the remaining 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the glaze caramelize.
Serve and Enjoy: Once your meatloaf is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Then, serve it up with your favorite sides and dig in!
Variations:
Cheesy Twist: Add a layer of shredded cheese in the middle of your meatloaf for an extra gooey, cheesy surprise.
Italian Flair: Mix in some Italian seasoning and top your meatloaf with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.
BBQ Lover’s Dream: Swap out the ketchup in the glaze for your favorite BBQ sauce and add some diced bacon to the meat mixture for a smoky, savory treat.
Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to your liking! Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the variations, I guarantee you’ll end up with a delicious meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking! 🍽️