Prepare to transform your dinner table with Mom Mac's legendary Meat Loaf - a recipe that has been tantalizing taste buds and bringing families together for generations! This isn't just another meatloaf; this is a culinary masterpiece that promises to turn even the pickiest eaters into comfort food enthusiasts. With a perfect blend of savory ground beef, aromatic seasonings, and a classic ketchup glaze, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that screams home-cooked love.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Onion
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 cup of breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Finely dice 1 medium onion and add it to the meat mixture.
- Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl and mix thoroughly with the meat, breadcrumbs, and onions.
- Add 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture.
- Use your hands to combine all ingredients, mixing gently but thoroughly to avoid overworking the meat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a uniform loaf.
- Spread an additional 1/4 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a classic glaze.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice into 1-inch thick portions and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a fat content around 80/20 for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture - this can make your meatloaf tough and dense.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a splash of milk to your breadcrumbs before mixing.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to help the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delicious.
- For a crispy top, broil the meatloaf for 2-3 minutes after baking to caramelize the ketchup glaze.
- Experiment with additional herbs like fresh parsley or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
