Savory Herb-Crusted Meatloaf

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Savory Herb-Crusted Meatloaf is a comforting classic with a modern twist. With a perfect blend of herbs and a tangy glaze, it’s a delightful main course that’ll warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients for Savory Herb-Crusted Meatloaf

The foundation of our meatloaf is ground beef, which provides the hearty, savory base. To keep it moist, we add breadcrumbs and a splash of milk — these help bind everything together and add tenderness. Onions and garlic bring aromatic depth, while the parsley and chives offer a fresh, herbal note. Eggs act as a binder, ensuring the loaf holds its shape. Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard layer in complexity with their tangy and umami flavors. A bit of salt and black pepper rounds out the seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest is key for maintaining its moisture — don’t skip it!
  • For even more flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and pork.

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed green beans. For a lighter option, try serving it with a crisp green salad. Don’t forget a dollop of extra glaze or a side of gravy for those who love extra sauce!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so consider adding a bit more milk or an extra egg to keep it moist.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you're ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can substitute dried herbs, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Savory Herb-Crusted Meatloaf Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's hot and ready when your meatloaf is prepped. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onions, garlic, parsley, chives, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix until everything is just combined — don't overwork it, or the meatloaf will be tough.

Transfer this mixture to a baking dish, shaping it into a loaf form. Don't worry about making it perfect; rustic is charming. In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Spread this glaze evenly over the loaf, giving it a nice shiny coat.

For the herb crust, mix olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and a bit more chopped parsley in another small bowl. Pat this mixture on top of the glazed meatloaf. This creates a beautiful crust that adds both flavor and texture.

Bake your masterpiece in the preheated oven for about an hour, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F (70°C) when inserted into the center. Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicy and delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of flavors with herbs and a sweet-savory glaze.
  • Easy to prepare, yet impressive enough for guests.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Great for meal prep — leftovers make amazing sandwiches.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
2 large eggs
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onions, garlic, parsley, chives, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Spread this glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
5. In another small bowl, combine olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and additional chopped parsley. Pat this mixture onto the top of the glazed meatloaf to form the herb crust.
6. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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