If you're looking for the best all-American classic meat loaf recipe, you've come to the right place. This hearty and comforting dish is a staple in many American households, and for good reason. It's easy to make, can be tailored to your own taste, and is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a meat loaf novice or a seasoned pro, we've got all the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect meat loaf. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's get cooking!
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CLASSIC MEATLOAF
The secrets to this meatloaf are fresh, very finely diced vegetables that give it moisture and flavor--and a light touch in mixing together the ingredients. This hearty meatloaf is the perfect meal for cool fall and winter evenings, served with mashed potatoes and simple mushroom gravy.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Main Dish Recipes Meatloaf Recipes Beef Meatloaf Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Place the carrot, celery, onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a puree. Place the minced vegetables into a large mixing bowl, and mix in ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Add Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate vegetables and egg into the meat. Pour in bread crumbs. With your hand, gently mix in the crumbs with your fingertips just until combined, about 1 minute.
- Form the meatloaf into a ball. Pour olive oil into a baking dish and place the ball of meat into the dish. Shape the ball into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.
- Bake in the preheated oven just until the meatloaf is hot, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. With the back of a spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf, then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
- Return meatloaf to oven, and bake until the loaf is no longer pink inside and the glaze has baked onto the loaf, 30 to 40 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cooking time will depend on shape and thickness of the meatloaf.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 284.1 calories, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 21.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 755.4 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
CLASSIC AMERICAN MEATLOAF
Provided by Amy Stevenson
Categories main-dish
Time 2h30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- To make the meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the scallions, carrot and onion and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the thyme, cumin, paprika, and garlic and onion powders. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Scrape into a large bowl and let cool completely.
- Meanwhile, heat the ketchup in the microwave until just warm to the touch. Sprinkle the gelatin over the ketchup and whisk to remove clumps. Add to the cooled vegetable mixture, then add the beef, pork, eggs, and bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper and mix just to combine. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with oil and form the meat mixture into a loaf.
- To make the glaze: In a measuring cup, stir together the ketchup, Worcestershire, and mustard. Brush a little glaze on the meatloaf and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, about 1 hour 15 minutes, brushing three or four times with the glaze until you've used it all. Let meatloaf rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.
ALL AMERICAN MEATLOAF
I discovered this recipe when I was pregnant with my first child. This is the only meatloaf recipe my family allows me to make still. It can be frozen ahead.
Provided by It's A New Day
Categories Main Dish Recipes Meatloaf Recipes Beef Meatloaf Recipes
Time 1h25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix ground beef, quick oats, onion, milk, eggs, 1/4 cup ketchup, parsley, garlic, salt, basil, and black pepper together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined; pat the mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake meatloaf in the preheated oven until firm and no longer pink inside, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meat loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
- Remove from oven, spread 2 tablespoons ketchup over loaf, and top with Cheddar cheese slices; return to oven and bake until cheese has melted, about 5 more minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 344.1 calories, Carbohydrate 12.3 g, Cholesterol 133.6 mg, Fat 20.6 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 595.4 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
ALL-AMERICAN MEATLOAF
The only thing better than a hearty meatloaf dinner is the sandwich you can make with the leftovers.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove crusts from bread, and place slices in the bowl of a food processor. Process until fine crumbs form, about 10 seconds. Transfer breadcrumbs to a large mixing bowl. Do not substitute dried breadcrumbs in this step, as they will make your meatloaf rubbery.
- Place carrot, celery, yellow onion, garlic, and parsley in the bowl of the food processor. Process until vegetables have been minced, about 30 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice. (Chopping vegetables this way saves time and ensures that vegetables will be small enough to cook through and not be crunchy). Transfer vegetables to bowl with the breadcrumbs.
- Add 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, pork, veal, beef, eggs, salt, pepper, Tabasco, and rosemary. Using your hands, knead the ingredients until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. The texture should be wet, but tight enough to hold a free-form shape.
- Set a wire baking rack into an 11-by-17-inch baking pan. Cut a 5-by-11-inch piece of parchment paper, and place over center of rack to prevent meat loaf from falling through. Using your hands, form an elongated loaf covering the parchment.
- Place the remaining 3 tablespoons ketchup, remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over loaf. Place oil in a medium saucepan set over high heat. When oil is smoking, add red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and golden in places. Add 3 tablespoons water, and cook, stirring, until most of the water has evaporated. Transfer onion to a bowl to cool slightly, then sprinkle onion over the meatloaf.
- Bake 30 minutes, then sprinkle rosemary needles on top. Continue baking loaf until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 160 degrees. about 25 minutes more. Let meatloaf cool on rack, 15 minutes.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF
Keep this meatloaf recipe handy: It's the only one you'll need.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 1h25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
- Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
- Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF
Not your average blue-plate special, this meatloaf recipe brings three ground meats together with a sweet-and-sour glaze to form a tender and moist mealtime favorite.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pulse bread in a food processor until finely ground. (You should have about 2 1/2 cups breadcrumbs.) Transfer to a medium bowl.
- Pulse garlic, onion, celery, carrot, and parsley in food processor until finely chopped. Add to breadcrumbs. Add meats, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; mix together using your hands. Transfer mixture to a 5-by-9-inch loaf pan.
- Stir together remaining 1/2 cup ketchup and the brown sugar until smooth; brush onto meat. Set pan on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 160 degrees, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Let cool slightly.
EASY CLASSIC MEAT LOAF
"My mother made this tender, moist meat loaf at least every other week-and always served it with scalloped potatoes. It was one of my favorite meals growing up." You'll be amazed by all the flavor from just a handful of pantry ingredients! Helen Lipko - Martinsburg, PA
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h15m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, V8 juice, bread crumbs, soup mix, cheese and garlic powder. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Pat into an ungreased 9x5-in. loaf pan., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50 minutes. Spread ketchup over top; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 236 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 679mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
ALL-AMERICAN MEAT LOAF
There are many variations on meat loaf, but my family loves this stick-to-your-ribs version. -Margie Williams, Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h20m
Yield 2 loaves (8 servings each).
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Saute green pepper and onion in oil in a large skillet until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a large bowl; cool to room temperature., Preheat oven to 350°. Add eggs, milk, bread, cheese, rosemary, salt and pepper to sauteed vegetables. Crumble beef and pork over mixture and mix well., Pat into 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar in a small bowl. Spread over tops. , Bake, uncovered, 50-55 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Freeze option: Shape meat loaves in plastic wrap-lined loaf pans; top with ketchup mixture. Cover and freeze until firm. Remove from pan and wrap securely in foil; return to freezer. Freeze up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap meat loaf and place in pan. Bake, uncovered, 1-1/4-1-1/2 hours, or until a thermometer reads 160°.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 286 calories, Fat 14g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 765mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC MEAT LOAF
This meatloaf has ground meat from two cuts of beef -- sirloin for its beefy flavor, and chuck for moistness and tender texture. Tip: When shaping meatloaf in the pan, use a light touch. Packing it tightly will make the loaf dense and tough. For even browning and to prevent drippings from pooling on the top of the meatloaf, use your fingers to round the top while pushing the sides away from the edges of the pan.
Provided by TasteTester
Categories Meat
Time 1h50m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine eggs, broth, worcestershire sauce; stir in bread cubes. Let stand 15 minutes. With fork, mash bread cubes into small pieces. Stir in Parmesan cheese, mustard, garlic, crushed red pepper, salt and black pepper. Add meat, green pepper and onion. Using hands, mix ingredients together well (do not overmix). Lightly pat meat mixture into 9x5x3-inch pan. With fingers, lightly pull loaf away from sides of pan.
- Bake, uncovered, for 1 1/4 hours. For topping, in a small bowl stir together ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar. Spoon on loaf. Bake 15 minutes more or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of loaf reads 160 degrees F.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. To remove, use two large spatulas inserted along short edges to life loaf from pan to a platter. Optional -- sprinkle with parsely, green onions and 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.5, Fat 18, SaturatedFat 7.2, Cholesterol 125.2, Sodium 780.7, Carbohydrate 14.5, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 8.1, Protein 25.6
MARTHA STEWART'S ALL AMERICAN MEATLOAF
This is a great meatloaf. I'm surprised it hasn't already been posted yet. The only thing I like better than meat loaf is meatloaf sandwiches, and this meatloaf is even better the next day; sliced between whole wheat bread, topped with a slice of cheese, and lots of mayo. Note: I omitted the veal and adjusted the amount of beef and pork to compensate--it was still great.
Provided by Pokey in San Antonio
Categories Pork
Time 1h15m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Process or crumble the bread and combine with the minced vegetables in a large bowl.
- Mix the meat, eggs and seasonings together in a bowl. Knead until thoroughly combined. Add meat mixture to the crumbs/veggie mixture. Combine, but don't over mix.
- Set a wire rack over an 11 x 17 baking pan. Cut a 5 x 11 piece of parchment paper and place it on the rack.
- Form the meat mixture into and elongated loaf on the parchment paper.
- Mix the next 3 ingredients together and baste the loaf--set aside.
- Heat the oil and sauté the onion rings. When soft and golden in places, add water and cook until most of the water evaporates. Garnish the loaf with the onion rings.
- Bake 30 minutes, then sprinkle rosemary needles on top. Continue baking for another 25 minutes. Cool on rack for 15 minutes before serving.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF RECIPE BY TASTY
Meatloaf is a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. Full of savory flavor and topped with a sweet, sticky ketchup glaze, it's the perfect pair to your favorite vegetable side dishes, such as classic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
Provided by Betsy Carter
Categories Dinner
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden brown, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until the tomato paste turns deep red in color, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the onion mixture cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, stir together the panko and milk. Add the ground beef, eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and the onion mixture and use your hands to combine. Do not overmix!
- Shape the beef mixture into a 10 x 5-inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top and sides with ketchup.
- Bake the meatloaf until the top is browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), about 50 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 573 calories, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 30 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 47 grams, Sugar 8 grams
Tips:
- Use a combination of ground beef and pork for a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
- Soak the bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meat mixture. This will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry.
- Season the meatloaf generously with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Cook the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf and prevent it from becoming dry.
Conclusion:
Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, it's no wonder that meatloaf has been a staple in American kitchens for generations. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, meatloaf is sure to be a hit.
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