Homestyle Best Ever Meatloaf – Dive into the comforting embrace of our Homestyle Best Ever Meatloaf. A savory masterpiece. That promises to turn your ordinary dinner. Into a feast of nostalgic flavors. Comprising lean ground beef seasoned. With fresh parsley, and Italian herbs. And a tangy glaze of chili sauce. And ketchup. This recipe isn’t just food. It’s a slice of home.
The first time I made this meatloaf. It was a chilly evening. Much in need of some warmth. I remember the kitchen. Filling with the aromas of simmering onions. And baking spices. It wasn’t just any dinner. It was a meal. That brought my husband. And our little one. To the table in seconds. Eager for a taste. Their smiles. And the ‘mmm’ sounds. Between bites. Told me everything I needed to know. This wasn’t just good. It was a hit!
What makes this Homestyle Best Ever Meatloaf truly special?
What sets this meatloaf apart? First, it’s the balance of textures. And flavors. The tender juiciness of high-quality beef. Pairs beautifully with the bold. Rich sauce topping. Plus, it’s versatile. Swap out parsley for cilantro. Or chili sauce for BBQ sauce. To craft your own version. Lastly, this meatloaf is incredibly forgiving. And perfect for both weeknight dinners. And special occasions.
What You Need To Make This Homestyle Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe?
Onion: A finely diced half onion adds a sweet, aromatic base. That infuses the meatloaf. With flavor as it cooks.
Butter: Just a teaspoon helps sauté the onion. To a perfect tenderness. Enriching the overall taste.
Eggs: These act as the binder for our meatloaf. Holding all the ingredients together. For a perfect slice.
Milk: It softens the breadcrumbs. Which helps keep the meatloaf moist. From the inside out.
Breadcrumbs (Italian or Seasoned): These add a slight crunch. And enhance the loaf. With either herb-infused. Or extra seasoned flavors.
Lean Ground Beef (80/20): This choice of meat. Ensures the loaf is juicy. But not overly fatty. Highlighting the beef’s natural flavors.
Ketchup or Chili Sauce: Adds a tangy twist to the loaf. Brightening up the flavors. With each tablespoon added.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the meat. With classic Italian flavors. Making each bite more enjoyable.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a burst of freshness to the dish. While dried parsley can be used as a handy substitute.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning. They enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Steps To Make Homestyle Best Ever Meatloaf:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your baking pan. Start by sautéing the onions in butter. Until they’re tender and sweet. It makes all the difference. Let them cool. While you mix the eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Allowing them to soak up all the goodness. Then gently mix in the ground beef and seasonings.
Step 2: Shape the loaf on your pan. And let it bake halfway. Before anointing it. With your homemade sweet. And tangy sauce.
Step 3: Finish baking. Then broil for a perfect glaze.
Tip:
For an extra flavorful. And beautifully glazed meatloaf. Consider applying the glaze in layers. Start by spreading a thin layer of the chili sauce. And ketchup mixture on the meatloaf. Before it goes into the oven. For the first time. This initial layer. Infuses the loaf. With flavor. As it begins to cook. Then, halfway through the cooking process. Apply another generous layer of glaze. This technique. Allows the glaze. To caramelize nicely. On the surface. Without burning. Giving your meatloaf a rich, glossy finish. That is not only delicious. But also visually appealing. This method enhances the depth of flavor. And ensures every slice. Is moist and savory.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the breadcrumbs. For your favorite gluten-free variety.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap them tightly. And refrigerate for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day!
Can I freeze cooked meatloaf?
Yes. Wrap it well. Or store in airtight containers. It freezes beautifully. For up to 3 months.
Homestyle Best Ever Meatloaf
Ingredients
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 tsp butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ c milk
- ¾ c Italian breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 lbs lean ground beef 80/20
- 1 tbsp ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, or 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Kosher salt & ½ tsp black pepper more to taste
Meatloaf Sauce:
- ½ c chili sauce
- ½ c ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a rimmed baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
- Cook Onions: In a small pan, melt butter and sauté onions over medium-low heat until soft and translucent. Allow to cool.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Add breadcrumbs and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: To the breadcrumb mixture, add the cooled onions, ground beef, ketchup (or chili sauce), Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking pan and form into an 8″x4″ loaf shape.
- Initial Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- Add Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing chili sauce, ketchup, and optional brown sugar in a small bowl. After 40 minutes of baking, spread this glaze over the meatloaf.
- Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps in retaining its juices. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
