Traditional Meatloaf Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Traditional Meatloaf Delight is that comforting, homestyle dish that never goes out of style. Packed with savory flavors and a sweet-tangy glaze, it offers a perfect balance that makes it a family favorite. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty Sunday lunch, this meatloaf is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients for Traditional Meatloaf Delight

Ground beef is the star of the show, providing richness and protein. Using 2 lbs ensures there's plenty to go around. Breadcrumbs add structure and help the meatloaf hold together, while onion and garlic bring depth and aromatic flavor. The milk keeps everything moist, and eggs act as a binder, ensuring a firm yet tender texture. Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard add layers of tangy, umami goodness. Finally, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme season everything perfectly.

The glaze is a simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, giving the meatloaf a beautiful, caramelized topping with a hint of sweetness and acidity.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra moist meatloaf, consider using a blend of ground beef and pork.
  • If you like a bit of spice, add a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest is crucial — it allows the juices to redistribute.
  • If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar works as a substitute in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad. For a comforting twist, serve it with macaroni and cheese or roasted vegetables. Leftovers make for a great meatloaf sandwich the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with ground turkey, pork, or a combination of meats.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure doneness. Look for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.

Traditional Meatloaf Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want to give it time to get nice and hot so your meatloaf cooks evenly. While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, beaten eggs, 1/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix everything gently — you don’t want to overdo it — until all the ingredients are just combined.

Next, shape the mixture into a loaf. You can do this directly in a lightly greased loaf pan, which helps in maintaining the shape and catching any juices. Set it aside for a moment while you prepare the glaze.

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. This mixture is going to elevate your meatloaf with its sweet and tangy flavor. Spread it evenly over the top of your meatloaf.

Now, it’s time to bake. Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and let it cook for about an hour. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) — that’s when you know it’s perfectly cooked. Once done, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and makes serving a breeze.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and satisfying, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
  • The sweet and tangy glaze adds a delicious twist.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have.
  • Easy to prepare and always a hit at the dinner table.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup ketchup for glaze
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, eggs, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Mix gently until ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a lightly greased loaf pan.
5. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze.
6. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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