The Best Classic Meat Loaf Recipe: A Comfort Food Favorite

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the warm, hearty appeal of classic meat loaf. With its savory flavors, tender texture, and rich tomato glaze, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug from the past. In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite meat loaf recipe, along with tips to make it perfectly every time.

Why Meat Loaf is a Timeless Classic

Meat loaf has been a family favorite for generations. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, versatility, and ability to stretch affordable ingredients into a filling, satisfying meal. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep.

Equipment

When you make meatloaf the right equipment truly makes a difference. I enjoy using a meatloaf pan with a liner for easy removal. It also provides an easy way to drain the excess fat from the meatloaf. This pan makes cooking not only easier, but fun as well. Check it out here.

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Classic Meat Loaf Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Loaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meat loaf tender.
3. Shape the meat loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a lightly greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.
4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
5. Add the glaze: Spread half of the glaze over the meat loaf before baking. Reserve the other half for later.
6. Bake: Bake the meat loaf for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, spread the remaining glaze on top, and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest and serve: Let the meat loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.

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Tips for Success:

• Don’t Skip the Milk: It keeps the meat loaf moist and tender.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onion and garlic add depth of flavor.
• Avoid Over-mixing: This can make the meat loaf dense.

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Final Thoughts

This classic meat loaf recipe is comfort food at its finest. Its rich, savory taste and nostalgic appeal make it a staple in many homes. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!