When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty slice of Classic Beef Meatloaf. With its perfectly crispy exterior and tender, savory interior, this dish is capable of turning a simple family dinner into a memorable occasion. Interestingly, the art of meatloaf dates back to the 5th century, but its popularity soared during the Great Depression when economical recipes became essential. This meatloaf holds a special place in my heart, reminiscent of cozy family gatherings around the dinner table, where each bite brings warmth and smiles. Compared to my other favorite recipes like the creamy Chicken Alfredo, this Classic Beef Meatloaf showcases a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to win you over.

Slide your fork into a generous portion of this delicious meatloaf, and you’ll understand why it’s considered a timeless dish. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and, best of all, it appeals to everyone in the family!

What is Classic Beef Meatloaf?

If you’re wondering where the name “meatloaf” came from, well, it’s quite simply two parts ground meat and one part loaf! It’s one of those delightful meals that begs to be shared. Did you know that many believe “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, prepare to steal a few hearts with this dish! Picture this: meatloaf served with creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant green beans, bringing family together around the table. So, why not roll up your sleeves and dive into this tasty adventure? After all, who doesn’t love a dish that brings smiles across the dinner table?

Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Meatloaf

There are countless reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this Classic Beef Meatloaf. First, it serves as a fantastic main dish that’s filling without being complicated, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy winter evenings. Secondly, making meatloaf at home is an absolute cost-saving delight. This dish requires simple, wholesome ingredients often found in your pantry, ensuring you can whip it up without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget about those tempting toppings! Imagine that luscious tomato glaze drizzled on top, delivering a sweet and savory punch—similar to what you’d find on a barbecue chicken, but with a hearty twist. Are you ready to savor this delightful dish? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Classic Beef Meatloaf

Quick Overview

Preparing Classic Beef Meatloaf is not just easy; it’s immensely satisfying! Picture that juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a delightful crunch on the outside and a juicy interior that will have everyone asking for seconds. In just about 15 minutes of preparation followed by an hour in the oven, you’ll have a dish that showcases the essence of home cooking.

Key Ingredients for Classic Beef Meatloaf

• Ground beef – 1 ½ pounds (80/20 for optimal flavor and juiciness)
• Breadcrumbs – 1 cup (preferably whole wheat for added fiber)
• Milk – ¾ cup
• Egg – 1 large (to bind everything together)
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Worcestershire sauce – 2 tablespoons (look for halal varieties)
• Ketchup – ½ cup (plus extra for topping)
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley (optional) – 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a consistent cooking temperature throughout.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Mix with clean hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure it’s evenly packed but not overly compact.
4. Add the glaze: Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top for that classic sweet-and-sour topping.
5. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Rest before slicing: Once cooked, take the meatloaf out of the oven, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and enhances the flavor.
7. Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve this delightful meatloaf with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Top Tips for Perfecting Classic Beef Meatloaf

• Substitutions: If desired, ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter option—just ensure they remain halal.
• Timing: Ensure your meatloaf rests before slicing; this crucial step keeps it from falling apart.
• Avoid common mistakes: Don’t overmix your meatloaf mixture; this can lead to a dense texture, detracting from the comforting nature of the dish. Also, adjust the bake time according to your oven; each one is different!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is pretty rare!), let the meatloaf cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze slices wrapped in foil and placed in a plastic bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual slices for a quick meal while retaining their original taste and texture.

In conclusion, making Classic Beef Meatloaf at home is not just a meal, but an experience filled with love and comfort. It’s an uncomplicated way to create a delicious dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. So gather around and enjoy this iconic recipe; I promise it’ll be a hit! Happy cooking!

Classic Beef Meatloaf

A hearty slice of Classic Beef Meatloaf with a crispy exterior and tender interior, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds Ground beef 80/20 for optimal flavor and juiciness
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs Preferably whole wheat for added fiber
• 0.75 cup Milk
• 1 large Egg To bind everything together
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Look for halal varieties
• 0.5 cup Ketchup Plus extra for topping
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped Optional for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Mix with clean hands until just combined; avoid overmixing.
3. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top.

Cooking

1. Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
2. Once cooked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving

1. Slice and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Substitutions include ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.