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To make a great meatloaf, you need key ingredients. The star is ground beef. I use 1 ½ lbs for a juicy texture. Next, breadcrumbs help bind the meat together. One cup is perfect. You also need a small onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of minced garlic. These add nice flavor. Don’t forget two eggs and half a cup of milk. They keep the meatloaf moist. Seasonings elevate your meatloaf to another level. Worcestershire sauce adds depth; use two tablespoons. Dried oregano and thyme bring warmth; one teaspoon each is enough. A half teaspoon of black pepper and salt gives it a good kick. Lastly, use half a cup of ketchup. It adds sweetness and moisture. You can mix in one tablespoon of brown sugar for extra flavor. Want to jazz up your meatloaf? Add-ins can do just that. You might try diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture. Shredded cheese can make it rich and creamy. For a hint of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños. Just remember to balance flavors. You want to keep it classic, but don't be afraid to experiment. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas. To make a great meatloaf, start with fresh ingredients. Gather everything before you begin. You'll need: - 1 ½ lbs ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 eggs - ½ cup milk - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar Wash your hands and grab a large mixing bowl. Chop the onion and garlic finely. This helps them blend well into the meatloaf. Now, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently. It is key to not overwork the meat. Overworking can make the meatloaf tough. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor. Pour it into the meat mixture. Combine everything until it's just mixed. You can cook your meatloaf in two ways: baking or slow cooking. Baking is faster. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 1 hour. The meatloaf is done when it reaches 160°F (71°C) inside. For slow cooking, shape your loaf and place it in a slow cooker. Set it on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method makes it very tender and juicy. Whichever method you choose, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep all the juices inside. Enjoy your meal! To keep your meatloaf moist, use enough fat. Ground beef with 15-20% fat works best. Also, don’t skip the milk and eggs. These ingredients add moisture and help bind everything together. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat. Too much mixing makes it tough. Cook your meatloaf at 350°F (175°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the center. The meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety. If you don’t have a thermometer, check if the juices run clear when you cut into it. Let your meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute. Slicing too soon can dry it out. Resting improves the flavor and texture. Enjoy your meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and veggies for a complete meal. For the full recipe, refer to Mama's Savory Meatloaf. {{image_2}} Topping your meatloaf can add flavor and fun. Try using a mix of ketchup and brown sugar, as mentioned in the Full Recipe. This combo adds sweetness and a nice glaze. You can also use barbecue sauce or a spicy chili sauce for a twist. If you like cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. For a fresh touch, add chopped herbs like parsley or chives before serving. While ground beef is classic, you can try other meats. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter meatloaf. Pork adds a rich flavor. You can also mix different meats for a unique taste. For example, a blend of beef and pork brings out the best in both. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary with different meats. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s safe. Want to make your meatloaf gluten-free? Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps the meatloaf moist while cutting carbs. You can also add finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra moisture and nutrients. Don’t forget to adjust seasonings based on any changes you make. After cooking, let your meatloaf cool for a bit. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. To freeze meatloaf, slice it into portions. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Store the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Meatloaf can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat your meatloaf in the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf slices in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just place a slice on a plate and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. Enjoy it with a drizzle of ketchup on top. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. The best temperature to cook meatloaf is 350°F (175°C). This allows the meat to cook through evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the center reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures your meatloaf is safe to eat and juicy. Yes, you can make meatloaf ahead of time. Prepare the meatloaf, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. You can store it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner easy on busy nights. You can store leftover meatloaf in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrapped tightly, it can last for 3 months in the freezer. If your meatloaf falls apart, it may lack enough binding agents. Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and eggs. Also, avoid overmixing the meat. This can make it tough. Letting it rest after baking helps it hold together better when you slice it. Classic sides for meatloaf include mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or roasted carrots. These options balance the rich flavors of the meatloaf. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe section. To sum up, we explored the key parts of making meatloaf. We talked about essential ingredients, seasoning, and tasty add-ins. You learned clear steps for mixing, cooking, and how to avoid dryness. We covered fun variations, proper storage, and answered common questions. Meatloaf can be simple or unique, depending on your choices. Enjoy making your own meatloaf!

Classic Meatloaf

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Mama's Savory Meatloaf! This easy recipe combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a flavorful blend of seasonings topped with a sweet ketchup glaze. Perfect for family dinners, it’s packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Ready in just over an hour, you can serve it with delicious sides like mashed potatoes. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ lbs ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 eggs

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and minced garlic.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, pepper, and salt until well blended.

        Pour the egg mixture into the meat mixture and combine thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until just mixed. Be careful not to overwork the meat.

          Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or a lined loaf pan.

            In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and brown sugar together. Spread a layer of this mixture on top of the meatloaf for added sweetness and flavor.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

                Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve on a platter garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a classic meal.