Best 10 How To Make Meatloaf Recipes

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Meatloaf, a delectable comfort food, has been a staple dish in many cuisines for centuries. This versatile dish, made from a combination of ground meat, spices, and binding agents, offers endless possibilities for customization, making it a favorite among home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike. Whether you prefer classic beef meatloaf, savory turkey or chicken variations, or vegetarian alternatives, the secret to a perfect meatloaf lies in balancing flavors and textures while maintaining moisture and tenderness throughout the cooking process. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of crafting the ultimate meatloaf. Discover expert tips and techniques for selecting quality ingredients, preparing the meat mixture, shaping and baking to perfection, and creating flavorful glazes and sauces to enhance the overall experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

EASY MEATLOAF



Easy Meatloaf image

This is a very easy and no fail recipe for meatloaf. It won't take long to make at all, and it's quite good!

Provided by Janet Caldwell

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
⅓ cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and bread OR cracker crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, or form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.1 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 334.6 mg, Sugar 8.5 g

TRADITIONAL MEATLOAF RECIPE



Traditional Meatloaf Recipe image

Cue one of the most comforting dinners of them all - the traditional meatloaf recipe. Moist and tender, this 2lb meatloaf recipe is easy to make and features a delicious combination of savory meat, meatloaf seasonings and a tangy glaze. This family favorite meal features meatloaf spices like onion powder, garlic powder, a dash of salt and French's® Tomato Ketchup. You can add a special twist by making a meatloaf with breadcrumbs, using a combination of meats like pork and beef, adding a dash of French's® Worcestershire Sauce or mixing in a chopped vegetable like green bell peppers or jalapeño. Throw the ingredients into a bowl, combine together and then transfer to a well-greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a shallow baking pan. The best part of this simple recipe for meatloaf is that you can use the leftovers (if there are any!) as meal prep for a tasty meatloaf sandwich for tomorrow's lunch. Want to serve a crowd? Try making our Meatloaf Bombs and sticking toothpicks in them for easy finger food. This McCormick meatloaf recipe pairs well with French's® Green Bean Casserole, a Vegetable Saute or a Simple Tossed Green Salad.

Provided by McCormick

Categories     Entrees,

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tsp McCormick® Onion Powder
1/2 tsp McCormick® Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp McCormick® Black Pepper, Ground
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup French's® Tomato Ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg and seasonings in large bowl.
  • Shape into a loaf on shallow baking pan. Pour ketchup over top.
  • Bake meatloaf 55 to 60 minutes or until cooked through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 266 Calories

THE BEST MEATLOAF



The Best Meatloaf image

We opted for an all-beef meatloaf rather than the traditional mix of beef, veal and pork because we wanted that satisfying big beef flavor. Milk adds richness and tenderizes the meat, preventing it from getting tough or dry. We also cook the onion instead of adding it raw as many recipes suggest, which imparts a welcome sweetness and eliminates that harsh raw onion flavor.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
2 pounds 80/20 ground beef chuck
1/2 cup panko

Steps:

  • Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  • Whisk the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl until completely combined. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add 3 tablespoons of the ketchup and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mixture is thick and brick red colored, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions cool slightly. Then add them to the beaten eggs and mix to combine.
  • Add the beef to the egg and onion mixture. Break up the meat with a fork or wooden spoon, and then mix to thoroughly combine; you don't want to see any lumps of raw beef. Add the panko and mix to combine. Stir the meat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 7 seconds; it will become more homogenous and tackier.
  • Transfer the meat to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 9-by-5-inch loaf. Smooth the top and evenly spread the remaining ketchup over top. Bake for 5 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 150 degrees F, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

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

3 thick slices white bread, torn into large pieces
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley
12 ounces ground beef chuck (90 percent lean), preferably pasture-raised
12 ounces ground pork, preferably pasture-raised
12 ounces ground veal, preferably milk-fed
1 large egg
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar

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.

TOP RATED CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Top Rated Classic Meatloaf image

My family enjoyed the slightly spicy taste of this meatloaf. This recipe, submitted by a local DJ, was in our local paper.

Provided by Rosemary Chapman

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h40m

Yield 1 Meatloaf, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 cup cracker crumb
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, egg, onion and tomato sauce.
  • Mix lightly.
  • Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, water, mustard and vinegar.
  • Brush the loaf with this mixture.
  • Place meat loaf in oven and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce.

HOME-STYLE MEATLOAF



Home-Style Meatloaf image

When it's comfort that you seek, nothing satisfies quite like a classic meatloaf. And if you don't have a go-to recipe, we offer you this one. It skips any fussy steps and avoids exotic ingredients. This is pure and simple, the perfectly seasoned, down-home version you remember from way way back. So next time you're missing mama's cooking or need a meal that'll go over well with the whole fam, turn to this can't-miss recipe.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix Meatloaf ingredients well. Press mixture in ungreased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake 40 minutes.
  • Remove from oven. Spread 1/4 cup ketchup evenly over top. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of loaf reads 160°F. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 110 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 470 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 0 g

SIMPLE MEAT LOAF



Simple Meat Loaf image

Craving the homey taste of mom's kitchen? With this recipe, your kitchen will soon fill with the aroma of great dinnertime memories, and you can enjoy this traditional favorite in under an hour. Meat loaf is economical and great for leftovers. Never made it before? No need to worry, it's simple to prepare using the following recipe from our Test Kitchen.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons 2% milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons meat loaf seasoning mix
1 pound lean ground beef
Additional ketchup, optional

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a loaf and place in an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Serve with additional ketchup if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 493mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 25g protein.

EASY OLD FASHIONED MEATLOAF



Easy Old Fashioned Meatloaf image

No fancy ingredients here... Not like we need another meatloaf recipe, but I figured I'd should post my Grandma's for people like me who like a quick easy meatloaf without a lot of fuss. Most of the meatloaves I saw here had things I'd never even consider putting in a meatloaf! :) At times I will substitute the onion with approx. 1/4 cup dried onion flakes. I also have substituted the garlic with garlic powder. I've never tried making it with horseradish. (I was a notoriously picky eater as a kid so I don't think Grandma put it in when I came to visit either.) I usually don't bother beating the egg... (Boy do I sound lazy! Don't tell Mom! LOL!) I've only recently started putting ketchup on the top before baking, so I don't think it's necessary to keep the meatloaf moist. Mom used to use her own dried bread crumbs, but I use the plain storebought kind. I haven't been adventurous enough to try any flavored bread crumbs... Make sure lean ground beef is used otherwise the meatloaf can get too greasy and/or bubble over the pan while baking. I also recommend checking the center to make sure it's done. On occasion it has taken over an hour to bake.

Provided by nranger7

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup ketchup
1 clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 dash pepper
1 medium finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)

Steps:

  • Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
  • Shape in loaf pan.
  • Cover with more ketchup if desired.
  • Bake one hour at 350 degrees.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 97, Sodium 861.5, Carbohydrate 8.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 4.3, Protein 24.3

CLASSIC SLOW-COOKER MEATLOAF



Classic Slow-Cooker Meatloaf image

Our favorite meatloaf recipe does great in the slow cooker. Made with familiar flavorings that have stood the test of time, this meatloaf is as classic as it gets. And it's about as easy as it gets, too-just toss together the ingredients, set your loaf in a foil-lined slow cooker and forget it! Your meal will be ready in 3 to 4 hours, and you don't need to be stuck in the kitchen in the meantime. And lucky you if there are leftovers-we love using this for meatloaf sandwiches the next day!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 3h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, finely chopped, or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg
3 slices bread, torn into small pieces
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1/2 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Line 4 1/2- to 5-quart slow cooker with foil. Spray foil with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, mix all ingredients except ketchup. Shape mixture into loaf, and place in center of slow cooker. Spread ketchup over top.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 3 to 4 hours or until meat thermometer inserted in center of loaf reads 160°F. Remove meatloaf from slow cooker to serving platter. Cut into pieces to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 1 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground meat: A combination of ground beef and ground pork is a classic choice for meatloaf, but you can also use all beef, all pork, or a mixture of other ground meats, such as turkey, chicken, or lamb.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients you use, the better your meatloaf will taste. Make sure to use fresh ground meat, eggs, and vegetables.
  • Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture: Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Just mix the ingredients until they are combined.
  • Shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape: This will help it cook evenly.
  • Bake the meatloaf at a moderate temperature: 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature for baking meatloaf.
  • Baste the meatloaf with pan juices: This will help keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf and make it easier to slice.

Conclusion:

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and flavorful meatloaf that your family and friends will love.

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