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Best Meatloaf

Best Meatloaf Recipe for Unmatched Juiciness and Flavor

Discover the best meatloaf recipe for unmatched juiciness, combining nostalgia and flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 2 lbs Ground beef Avoid using very lean beef for juiciness.
  • 1 cup Medium onion (finely chopped) Sautéed for enhanced flavor.
  • 1 tsp Olive oil Used for sautéing onions.
  • 2 large Eggs Acts as a binder.
  • 3 cloves Minced garlic Boosts flavor.
  • 2 Tbsp Ketchup Added to mixture.
  • 3/4 cup Ketchup For glaze.
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped) Adds freshness.
  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs Helps with texture.
  • 1/3 cup Milk Hydrates breadcrumbs.
  • Salt To taste.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning For flavor complexity.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper Adds subtle kick.
For the Sweet and Tangy Glaze
  • Ketchup The star ingredient.
  • 2 Tbsp Brown sugar Enhances caramelization.
  • 1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar Balances sweetness.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Best Meatloaf
  1. Prep Your Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Sauté the Onions: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tsp of olive oil over medium heat and sauté 1 cup of finely chopped onion until softened (5-7 minutes).
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix ground beef, sautéed onions, minced garlic, eggs, ketchup, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, and milk. Season with salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  4. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the baking sheet and shape it into an 8x4 inch loaf.
  5. Initial Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
  6. Make the Sweet and Tangy Glaze: In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tbsp of brown sugar, and 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar. Mix well.
  7. Glaze and Finish Baking: Spread the glaze over the meatloaf and return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes or until it reaches 160°F.
  8. Rest and Slice: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For the best results, always sauté your onions for enhanced flavor and avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

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