Grandmas Best Meatloaf
Grandmas Best Meatloaf
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to cook meatloaf like your nan used to make? I know I did. This classic meatloaf recipe delivers a flavour punch.
Expect a juicy meatloaf recipe with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Brief Overview
Meatloaf is proper comfort food, tracing back to humble beginnings. It is a simple dish, but done right, it will knock your socks off.
This easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, start to finish. It serves about 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
The ground beef meatloaf recipe is packed with protein. It’s also secretly loaded with veggies. This is perfect for Sunday dinner or a cozy mid-week treat.
What makes this special? It is just simple, honest comfort food. It will remind you of childhood.
Time to get cooking
Right then, are you ready to learn how to cook the best easy meatloaf ? I remember the first time I tried this, Honestly, it was a disaster! Now I can make a Beef Meatloaf Easy every single time!
Ingredients
You will need 2 pounds (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended). Grab 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped and 2 cloves garlic, minced.
Do not forget 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped and 1 large egg, lightly beaten. You will need ¾ cup (60g) plain bread crumbs and ½ cup (120ml) milk.
Add 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
The Glaze
For the glaze, you will need ½ cup (120ml) ketchup. Then 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard. Simple, innit?
Let's Cook!
Now that you have all of your ingredients. Let's get started! We will get your Meatloaf Oven preheated. I'm so excited for you to try this at home.
It is so so so good.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Easy Meatloaf
Alright, let's talk ingredients for my Grandma's Best Meatloaf . We're making a classic meatloaf recipe , and it's easier than you think.
Honestly! Get ready to learn how to cook meatloaf .
Main Ingredients: No Fuss, Just Flavor
Here’s what you need for my homemade meatloaf recipe :
- Ground Beef: 2 pounds (900g) . Go for an 80/20 blend. It keeps things juicy . Honestly, leaner beef can be a bit dry.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't skimp on this.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g ). Trust me on this one.
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten. It binds everything.
- Breadcrumbs: ¾ cup (60g). Panko is great for extra texture.
- Milk: ½ cup ( 120ml ).
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Don't forget this!
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon.
- Pepper: ½ teaspoon.
- Ketchup: ½ cup ( 120ml ). This is for the glaze.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, packed.
- Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon.
Seasoning Notes
A simple mix makes for the best easy meatloaf . Thyme is a must! Worcestershire sauce adds depth. The ketchup glaze gives it that classic tang.
Soy sauce can sub for Worcestershire sauce if needed.
Equipment Needed
You don't need much for this easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients .
- Large mixing bowl.
- 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board and knife.
- Instant-read thermometer. Aim for 160° F ( 71° C) for perfect doneness.
My mate Dave uses a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan! He swears it makes it cook faster.
Alright, gather 'round the table, because today we are learning how to cook meatloaf like your grandma used to make.
Think Sunday roasts, warm kitchens, and that comforting feeling of home. Forget those dry, sad excuses for meatloaf you've had before.
This classic meatloaf recipe is a game changer. Honestly, if you follow my easy instructions, you’ll end up with the best easy meatloaf – promise.
Grandma's Best Meatloaf: The Only Recipe You'll Ever Need
This isn't just any ground beef meatloaf recipe . This is the meatloaf recipe. It’s a classic meatloaf recipe , passed down through generations and tweaked to perfection.
What is meatloaf anyway? It's basically a giant, flavourful meatball you bake in the oven! This easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients is packed with flavour, super juicy, and topped with a sweet and tangy meatloaf with ketchup glaze .
Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you just want something cozy and satisfying. I’m telling you, this juicy meatloaf recipe will become a family favorite.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized, Shall We?
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop up 1 medium yellow onion , mince 2 cloves garlic , and dice 1 green bell pepper .
Now, measure out 2 pounds (900g) ground beef , ¾ cup (60g) bread crumbs , ½ cup (120ml) milk , 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce , 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1 teaspoon salt , and ½ teaspoon black pepper .
For the glaze, get ½ cup (120ml) ketchup , 2 tablespoons brown sugar , and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard ready.
It is all worth it, you know?
Safety first : Always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Meatloaf the Right Way
- Preheat the Meatloaf Oven: Pop your oven on to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Sauté those Veggies (Optional, but Trust Me): Sauté that onion and pepper in a bit of oil until soft. It makes a world of difference.
- Mix it Up (Gently!): In a large bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients. But, and this is important, don't overmix . You'll end up with tough meatloaf and no one wants that.
- Shape and Transfer: Put the mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan , and gently press it into a loaf shape.
- Get Glazy: Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
- Spread the Love (Glaze): Spread that glaze all over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake Time: Bake for 1 hour , or until a thermometer reads 160° F ( 71° C) , which is the perfect temp for meatloaf .
- Rest Up: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy .
Pro Tips: Secrets to Meatloaf Success
- Don't overmix! Seriously, I can't stress this enough.
- Sauté those veggies . It makes them taste amazing.
- Use a thermometer . It's the only way to be sure it's cooked through. I swear by it.
Honestly, homemade meatloaf recipe are the best when you make your own version of it. So go ahead and get creative with it.
Recipe Notes for Grandma's Best Meatloaf
Right then, let's have a chinwag about some essential bits for this classic meatloaf recipe . Honestly, knowing these tricks is half the battle! This ground beef meatloaf recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for a Sunday roast kinda vibe.
How To Serve Your Meatloaf Like a Pro
Right, so you've nailed how to cook meatloaf . Now, how do you make it look smashing on a plate? Think simple elegance.
A couple of slices on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, swimming in gravy. Garnish with some fresh parsley for a pop of colour.
Or, you know, go wild with some roasted veg. As for drinks? A nice, hearty red wine is grand. Even a refreshing glass of iced tea works a treat.
Ace Storage Tips
Leftover juicy meatloaf recipe ? Sorted. Once cooled, whack it in an airtight container. It'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fancy freezing it? Slice it first. Wrap each slice individually in cling film then pop them in a freezer bag.
It'll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, either microwave it (easy peasy!) or warm it gently in the oven until heated through.
Variations - Shake it Up!
Fancy giving your meatloaf a twist? For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or even almond flour.
Want a beef meatloaf easy recipe for the summer months? Chuck in some sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean vibe.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless.
Nutrition - The Basics
Let's talk numbers! Each serving of this easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients packs around 350 calories. You're looking at about 30g of protein.
20g of fat. And around 15g of carbs. This homemade meatloaf recipe is a good source of protein and iron, plus it's dead satisfying.
Just remember these are estimates!
Alright, there you have it! Whether you are looking for the best easy meatloaf , or the correct temp for meatloaf or a meatloaf oven for baking this meatloaf with ketchup glaze .
You are now armed with all the knowledge you need for a successful meatloaf bake! Happy cooking and enjoy your easy meatloaf recipe !
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my meatloaf from being dry? It's always a bit like cardboard!
No one wants a meatloaf that tastes like a hockey puck! To avoid a dry meatloaf, make sure you don't overmix the ingredients – that develops the gluten and makes it tough. Also, adding moisture like milk-soaked breadcrumbs helps a lot. Think of it like building a proper cuppa - the right amount of water is key!
What's the best way to tell if my meatloaf is cooked all the way through, or if I should continue to cook meatloaf?
Forget the "poke it with a fork and hope" method! The best way to check doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf and aim for 160°F (71°C). Just like checking the temperature of a Sunday roast, it's all about getting it just right.
Can I make meatloaf ahead of time? I'm a busy bee and want to get a head start.
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, that way it will cook more evenly. It's a right lifesaver for weeknight dinners, a bit like having a shepherd's pie ready to go!
What are some good variations I can try to spice up my meatloaf game? I'm tired of the same old recipe.
Fancy a bit of a change? Try adding Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning for an Italian-style meatloaf. Or, for a lighter option, use ground turkey and add grated zucchini for moisture. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour!
Think of it like jazzing up your full English - a little tweak can make all the difference!
How long does cooked meatloaf last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Cooked meatloaf will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can definitely freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Perfect for those days when you fancy something tasty but don't want to cook from scratch.
I'm watching my weight. Is there a healthier way to cook meatloaf?
You can definitely make meatloaf healthier! Use leaner ground beef (90/10 blend), or even ground turkey or chicken. Load it up with extra veggies like grated carrots or zucchini to add bulk and nutrients. For a healthier glaze, use sugar-free ketchup or a homemade tomato sauce with less sugar.
Small changes can make a big difference, like swapping full-fat milk for skimmed!
