Ultimate Meatloaf Recipe: How to Make It Juicy and Flavorful




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Prepare Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80%-90% lean), or a mix of 1 pound each ground beef and ground pork
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup beef broth or milk
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Glaze:

  • ⅔ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce, or a mix of both
  • 2-3 tablespoons light brown sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients. Use your hands to mix everything until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
  3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape into a loaf approximately 9×5 inches.
  4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup (or BBQ sauce) with brown sugar until well combined.
  5. Apply Glaze: Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
  6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, apply the remaining glaze and continue to bake for another 15 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and makes for easier cutting.

Cook Notes

For a moister meatloaf, consider adding a small amount of finely minced vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.

Variations

  • Italian Meatloaf: Add Italian herbs and swap the ketchup in the meat mixture with marinara sauce.
  • Cheesy Meatloaf: Mix in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese.

Keto Version

Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use a sugar-free ketchup for the glaze.

Low-Carb Version

Similar to the keto version, focus on eliminating sugars and carbs from fillers and the glaze.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (assumes 8 servings per recipe):

  • Calories: 330
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 26g

This classic meatloaf recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of comfort food, offering rich flavors, a delightful texture, and the joy of a home-cooked meal.

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