Description
Hearty meatloaf masterpiece delights taste buds with classic American comfort cuisine. Rich ground beef, savory seasonings, and homemade glaze promise a memorable dinner that brings families together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) dried minced onions
- 2/3 cup (80 grams) crushed wheat crackers
- 3/4 cup (85 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (yellow preferred, made with plant-based rennet)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) ketchup
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F, creating an ideal cooking atmosphere for a perfectly textured meatloaf.
- Craft a glossy glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small mixing vessel. Strategically divide the mixture, reserving half for final topping.
- Assemble the meat mixture in a spacious bowl, gently incorporating ground beef, eggs, dried onions, crushed crackers, shredded cheese, seasonings, and half the prepared glaze. Blend ingredients with minimal manipulation to maintain a tender texture.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, carefully distributing and compressing the blend to ensure uniform cooking and structural integrity.
- Lavishly coat the meatloaf’s surface with the reserved glaze, creating a caramelized, flavor-enhancing exterior during the baking process.
- Position the loaf pan in the preheated oven, allowing it to roast for 1 to 1¼ hours. Monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 160°F, which indicates complete and safe cooking.
- After removing from the oven, allow the meatloaf a 10-minute resting period. This crucial pause enables juice redistribution, guaranteeing succulent slices when served.
Notes
- Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for varied flavor profiles and reduced fat content.
- Swap crushed crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version of this classic comfort dish.
- Add grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutritional value and maintain moisture without changing the core recipe’s taste.
- Use a wire rack inside the baking pan to allow excess fat to drip away, creating a leaner meatloaf with crispier edges and preventing sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 466
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 482 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg