In the realm of culinary delights, meat loaf emerges as a classic dish enjoyed by families and food enthusiasts alike. This tantalizing dish, often regarded as the epitome of comfort food, has earned its place in kitchens worldwide. With its versatility and endless possibilities for customization, meat loaf offers a culinary adventure that caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you seek a traditional meat loaf recipe passed down through generations or a contemporary twist infused with innovative flavors, embarking on a journey to discover the best "5-star" meat loaf recipe promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!
TOP RATED CLASSIC MEATLOAF
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
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.
BEST EVER MEAT LOAF
The best meat loaf I have ever found. Try it and you will see.
Provided by Matt O
Categories Main Dish Recipes Meatloaf Recipes Beef Meatloaf Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Add crumbled bread and stir until dissolved. Mix ground beef, onion, Cheddar cheese, and carrot into bread mixture; transfer mixture to a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Combine brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl; spread over meat mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 409.5 calories, Carbohydrate 22.3 g, Cholesterol 155 mg, Fat 22.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 28.4 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 1227.3 mg, Sugar 14.4 g
MEATLOAF RECIPE
Recipe video above. Meatloaf is so much more than a giant hunk of ground beef in a loaf shape. It should ooze with flavour, be moist and tender yet not crumble apart when sliced. And the caramelised glaze is the crowning glory!
Provided by Nagi
Categories Main
Time 1h30m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Oil or spray a loaf tin. (Note 3)
- Glaze: Mix together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Meatloaf: Place breadcrumbs in a very large bowl. Grate over onion. Mix so the breadcrumbs are all wet. (Note 4)
- Add remaining ingredients. Mix well using your hands. Form into a loaf shape, pinching together then smoothing over creases and cracks (helps prevent cracks during baking).
- Transfer into loaf tin. Brush generously with glaze, using about 1/2.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with most of the remaining glaze. If there is excess fat pooling, scoop/pour it off.
- Bake for a further 30 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Stand for 10 minutes before turning out and cutting into thick slices. You will probably get a bit of crumbling just on the edges of the first couple of slices, this is normal and indicative of the tenderness of the meatloaf (zero crumble indicates firm packed harder meatloaf which isn't as enjoyable!).
- Ideal served with a dollop of ketchup, creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 179 g, Calories 404 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 129 mg, Sodium 607 mg, Sugar 7 g
THE BEST MEATLOAF I'VE EVER MADE
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
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
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.
MEAT LOAF 5-STAR
Steps:
- 1. In a medium bowl combine eggs and milk; stir in bread crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, sage, and pepper. Add ground meat; mix well. Lightly pat mixture into an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan. 2. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until internal temperature registers 160 degrees F. Spoon off fat. In a bowl combine ketchup, sugar, and mustard; spread over meat. Bake for 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into eight slices. 3. Makes 8 servings 4. Ham Loaf: Prepare as above, except use soft bread crumbs. Substitute 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard for the sage, basil, or oregano and omit the salt. Substitute 12 ounces lean ground beef or pork and 12 ounces ground cooked ham for the 1-1/2 pounds ground beef, lamb, or pork. Bake and let stand as above.
5 INGREDIENT MEATLOAF
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl mix together the water and stuffing and let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Then add in the ground turkey, onion soup mix, and eggs. Mix together well.
- Put it into a greased 9 x 9 inch glass pan and pat it down.
- Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until cooked through. Let stand 5 minutes.
- Top with gravy if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Servingsize 1 serving, Calories 1138 kcal, Fat 44 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 242 mg, Sodium 6763 mg, Carbohydrate 75 g, Sugar 12 g, Protein 115 mg
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.
BEST-EVER MEAT LOAF
The combination of onion, carrots, parsley and cheese-plus the tomato-mustard topping-makes this meat loaf really colorful. The recipe lends itself easily to being doubled or halved to suit the number you're cooking for, and it freezes well, too. It's the best meatloaf ever! -Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and bread; let stand until liquid is absorbed. Stir in the onion, carrot, cheese and seasonings. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. , Shape into a 7-1/2x3-1/2x2-1/2-in. loaf in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes. , Combine the topping ingredients; spoon half of the mixture over meat loaf. Bake 30 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink and a thermometer reads 160°, occasionally spooning remaining topping over loaf. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 398 calories, Fat 17g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 164mg cholesterol, Sodium 771mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 30g protein.
TRADITIONAL MEAT LOAF
Topped with a sweet sauce, this traditional meat loaf recipe tastes so good that you might want to double it so everyone can have seconds. It also freezes well. -Gail Graham, Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Tear bread into 2-inch pieces; place in a blender. Cover and pulse to form coarse crumbs; transfer to a large bowl. Stir in egg, milk, cheese, onion, carrot, salt and pepper. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. , In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients; spread over loaf. Bake 60-75 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Freeze option: Bake meat loaf without glaze. Securely wrap cooled meat loaf in foil, then freeze. To use, partially thaw meat loaf in refrigerator overnight. Prepare and spread glaze over top; reheat on a greased shallow baking pan in a preheated 350° oven until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 394 calories, Fat 21g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 128mg cholesterol, Sodium 843mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF
Good meatloaf is about as comforting as comfort food gets. Thankfully, meatloaf doesn't have to be complex to be good. It just needs to be tender (from breadcrumbs soaked in milk and gentle handling) and flavorful (from onion, garlic, and ketchup).
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Ground Beef Recipes
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place bread in food processor; pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in milk. Set aside, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add bread-milk mixture, and mix very gently with a fork (do not overmix).
- Place meat mixture on prepared baking sheet, and form into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide.
- Bake, brushing twice with remaining 1/4 cup ketchup during baking, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 g, Fat 33 g, Protein 29 g
THE MOST TENDER MEATLOAF
A variation on Samantha19f2001's "I hate meatloaf, but...", recipe. I loved hers, but didn't have a use for the extra soup and my husband loves the topping I made. So this recipe combines the best of both for my household.
Provided by Snowpeas
Categories Meat
Time 1h30m
Yield 1 meatloaf, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Turn oven on and set at 350 degrees.
- Mix the first 7 ingredients together thoroughly. Using your hands is the best way to get it done. Form meat into a loaf shape and place in a baking dish.
- Place the meatloaf in the oven bake for 60 minutes.
- While meatloaf is in the oven, mix the final 3 ingredients together.
- After the 60 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the ketchup topping over the loaf.
- Place back in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Note: Make sure meat is cooked. You don't want to eat rare pork. Also, the meatloaf serves up easiest if you let it rest a few minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 356, Fat 24, SaturatedFat 8.4, Cholesterol 109.7, Sodium 671.3, Carbohydrate 12.1, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 8.6, Protein 22
Tips:
- Preheat the oven and use a loaf pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting to mix the meatloaf ingredients. Use a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan for even cooking and to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart.
- Use a combination of ground beef and pork: Combining ground beef and pork creates a flavorful and moist meatloaf. You can adjust the ratio of beef to pork based on your preference, but a good starting point is a 60:40 ratio (beef:pork).
- Add bread crumbs and eggs: Breadcrumbs and eggs act as binders to hold the meatloaf together. Use fresh bread crumbs for the best texture and flavor. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier crust.
- Season generously: Don't be afraid to season the meatloaf well. Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking.
- Mix the ingredients gently: Overmixing the meatloaf can make it tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape and bake the meatloaf: Form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared loaf pan. Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, resulting in a more flavorful and moist slice.
Conclusion:
Cooking a delicious and satisfying meatloaf is a breeze with the right ingredients, techniques, and a touch of creativity. Experiment with different flavor combinations and cooking methods to find the perfect meatloaf recipe that suits your taste. Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, season generously, and handle the meatloaf gently to ensure a tender and flavorful result. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a tangy sauce, a homemade meatloaf is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
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