Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food that has been around for generations. It's a perfect meal for any day of the week, and it's easy to make. The great thing about meatloaf is that it can be customized to your liking. You can add your favorite herbs and spices, vegetables, and even cheese to make it your own. In this article, we'll share with you the best meatloaf recipe that's sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands. 3. Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan and smooth out the top. 4. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F. 5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
This meatloaf recipe serves 8 people. Here's the nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 398
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 731mg
Cholesterol: 141mg
Tips for Making the Best Meatloaf
1. Use a mixture of ground beef and pork. Pork adds moisture and flavor to the meatloaf. 2. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the meat mixture. This will keep the meatloaf moist and tender. 3. Don't overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. 4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. It should reach 160°F for it to be safe to eat. 5. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making it juicier.
Variations
Here are some variations that you can try to make this meatloaf recipe your own: 1. Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. 2. Mix in different spices such as smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to give the meatloaf a different flavor profile. 3. Add cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy meatloaf. Cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese are good choices. 4. Top the meatloaf with bacon slices before baking for a smoky flavor. 5. Make mini meatloaves by dividing the mixture into muffin tins and baking for 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
This is the best meatloaf recipe that you'll ever try. It's easy to make, customizable, and delicious. With a few simple ingredients and some tips, you'll be able to make a perfect meatloaf every time. So go ahead and give it a try, and let us know how it turned out.