Savory Herb-Crusted Easy Meatloaf

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Meet your new go-to dinner hero: Savory Herb-Crusted Easy Meatloaf. It’s the perfect blend of classic comfort and fresh herbs, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Savory Herb-Crusted Easy Meatloaf

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this meatloaf. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, holding everything together while adding texture. Milk is the secret to keeping the meatloaf moist. Onion and garlic offer a savory depth, while a large egg further binds the ingredients. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy complexity, and Dijon mustard provides a subtle kick. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring aromatic freshness, while salt and black pepper season the meat perfectly. Finally, ketchup on top caramelizes to a delightful glaze.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have fresh herbs, dried will work in a pinch. Just use about a teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary.
  • For a little extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without guesswork.

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. For a comforting twist, try serving it with roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts. A side of garlic bread never hurts either!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used, but note that they may result in a slightly drier loaf. Consider adding a bit more milk or breadcrumbs to compensate.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Savory Herb-Crusted Easy Meatloaf Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go once your meatloaf is assembled. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk. Mix them until they're just combined; you don't want to overwork the meat, which can make it tough.

Now, add your flavor enhancers: onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix these in thoroughly but gently. You want everything evenly distributed without compacting the mixture too much.

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. A simple rectangle works well and fits nicely in most dishes. Spread the ketchup evenly across the top of the loaf; this will form a sweet and tangy glaze as it bakes.

Bake your meatloaf for about an hour. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), which ensures it's cooked through but still juicy. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each slice juicy and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and uses mostly pantry staples.
  • Packed with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
  • Moist and tender with a deliciously savory crust.
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
5. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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