Best 4 Always Perfect Meatloaf Recipes

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When it comes to classic comfort foods, meatloaf is a beloved dish that holds a special place in many hearts. With its savory and comforting taste, it's no wonder why it's a regular feature at family dinners and potlucks. However, achieving the perfect meatloaf can be a daunting task, often leaving even experienced cooks feeling uncertain. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the essential steps and provide expert tips to ensure you create an "always perfect meatloaf" that will impress your family and friends. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques, we'll demystify the process and help you create a juicy, flavorful, and picture-perfect meatloaf that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

THE PERFECT MEATLOAF



The Perfect Meatloaf image

Super moist meatloaf packed with tons of flavor. Simple ingredients and effortless to make. Once you try this recipe, you will never try any other.

Provided by Ryda Mae

Categories     Meatloaf

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup whole milk
6 slices white bread
2 lbs ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 diced onion
4 beaten eggs
10 slices bacon
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Tabasco sauce (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Pour milk over the bread slices. Allow it to soak in for several minutes.
  • Place the ground beef, milk-soaked bread, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add in your beaten eggs.
  • USE YOUR HANDS and git in there, mix it up well.
  • Form into a log. Hint: don't "smoosh" it down to tight, that just compacts the meat and tends to make for a dense er heavy meatloaf. I honest and truly believe THIS step was the defining factor in the most juiciest meatloaf I have ever eaten.
  • Lay bacon slices across the top, width wise, tucking the ends underneath the meatloaf.
  • Spread a good amount of sauce onto your loaf, leaving a little for your second application later in cooking process.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, then slather the rest of the sauce over the top.
  • Bake for 15 more minutes or so, you can raise oven temperature to 400 after the second application,.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 463, Fat 25.5, SaturatedFat 9.5, Cholesterol 179.2, Sodium 1093.5, Carbohydrate 29.6, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 19.3, Protein 28.5

THE BEST MEATLOAF I'VE EVER MADE



The Best Meatloaf I've Ever Made image

When I was growing up, my mom never ever made meatloaf and I always wanted to try it - I finally tried it at a restaurant and loved it. When I moved out on my own I started experimenting with different recipes and creating my own version. I finally came up with the best meatloaf I have ever made, and I wanted to share it.

Provided by sillyliltracy

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
3 slices bread, toasted and crumbled
7 buttery round crackers, crushed
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 ½ tablespoons sour cream
1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the onion and garlic 5 minutes, until onion is tender. Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, mix the onion and garlic, beef, crumbled bread, crushed crackers, egg, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 can tomato sauce. Gradually stir in the milk 1 teaspoon at a time until mixture is moist, but not soggy. Transfer the mixture to a 5x9 inch loaf pan.
  • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 40 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), and continue baking 15 minutes, to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
  • In a small bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce and ketchup. Pour over the top of the meatloaf, and continue baking 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 212.6 calories, Carbohydrate 8.7 g, Cholesterol 76.1 mg, Fat 11.6 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 17.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 648.6 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

THE BEST MEATLOAF



The Best Meatloaf image

I have used this recipe for 30 years. My husband loves it and he is picky.

Provided by DENELLE

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

½ cup milk
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
ground black pepper to taste
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 tablespoons steak sauce, (e.g. Heinz 57)
1 onion, chopped
½ cup diced green bell pepper
¼ cup steak sauce, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan.
  • Combine milk and soft bread crumbs in a small bowl and allow to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, egg, 3 tablespoons steak sauce, chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Add bread crumb mixture, and mix with your hands until all ingredients are combined.
  • Pat the the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Brush the top with additional steak sauce.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until done. Allow to stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288.3 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 100.6 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 20.9 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 867 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

ALWAYS PERFECT MEATLOAF



Always Perfect Meatloaf image

Make and share this Always Perfect Meatloaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CaramelPie

Categories     Meat

Time 1h35m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (1 ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
1 large egg
2 tablespoons tomato ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Mix all ingredients together in bowl. The consistency will seem extremely soupy, but don't worry, it will come out perfectly.
  • Pour mixture into a greased 9"x5" loaf pan.
  • Bake for 1 1/2 hours, draining fat every 30 minutes.
  • Top with ketchup 20 minutes before baking time is up.
  • Let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from pan and slice.

Tips for Making the Perfect Meatloaf

  • Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
  • Add bread crumbs, eggs, and milk to bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist.
  • Season the meatloaf with a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Form the meatloaf into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
  • Bake the meatloaf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Serve the meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn.

Conclusion

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following the tips in this article, you can make the perfect meatloaf that is moist, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your next meal.

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