Ahh, meatloaf—the ultimate cozy dinner. Solid, comforting, and secretly amazing when done right 😌🍽️
Here’s a classic, juicy meatloaf that never disappoints.
Classic Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs (700 g) ground meat (80/20 beef, or beef + pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Topping:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the panade
Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Let soak 1–2 minutes. - Mix the meatloaf
Add egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
Gently mix in the meat (don’t overwork it). - Shape & top
Form into a loaf on a lined baking sheet or place in a loaf pan.
Spread topping evenly over the top. - Bake
Bake 50–60 minutes, until internal temp hits 160°F (71°C). - Rest & serve
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing (this keeps it juicy).
Pro Tips for the Best Meatloaf:
- Breadcrumbs + milk = juicy meatloaf (never skip)
- Don’t pack it tight—gentle hands
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one (game changer)
Tasty Variations:
- Cheesy meatloaf: add shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- BBQ meatloaf: swap ketchup topping for BBQ sauce
- Italian-style: add Parmesan and marinara
- Mini meatloaves: bake 25–30 minutes (great for meal prep)
If you want, I can turn this into a one-pan meatloaf + potatoes, a low-carb version, or a comfort-food remix (hello meatloaf sandwiches 😏).
