Why Make This Recipe
Classic meatloaf is a comforting dish that brings memories of home-cooked meals. It is easy to make, filling, and perfect for family dinners. With its savory flavors and soft texture, meatloaf is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ingredients you might already have at home.
How to Make Classic Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Mix well until combined.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread additional ketchup on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your juicy meatloaf!
How to Serve Classic Meatloaf
Classic meatloaf is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides. Popular options include mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with additional ketchup or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
How to Store Classic Meatloaf
To store leftover meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. The meatloaf will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it. Wrap slices in plastic, then place them in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Classic Meatloaf
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture; this helps keep the meatloaf tender.
- Adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots or celery can enhance the flavor and texture.
- For a twist, try adding your favorite herbs or spices, like parsley or cumin.
Variation
You can personalize your classic meatloaf by adding cheese in the center or using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins and toppings!
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats like pork and beef.
2. How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C).
3. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Classic Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and easy classic meatloaf recipe that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Mix well until combined.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread additional ketchup on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your juicy meatloaf!
Notes
To store leftovers, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
