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Meatloaf

Savory Meatloaf with Zesty Topping: Comfort Food Bliss

Enjoy a classic meatloaf recipe that combines juicy beef with a zesty topping for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Use 80/20 beef for best results.
  • 1 medium Onion Can be sautéed for milder flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can be substituted with olive oil.
  • 2 large Eggs No direct substitution if you want to maintain texture.
  • ½ cup Milk Can be substituted with broth or non-dairy milk.
  • 1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs Use gluten-free option if needed.
  • ½ cup Ketchup/Chili Sauce Substitute with BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Can substitute with dried oregano and basil.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh/Dried Parsley Use dried if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Topping
  • ¼ cup Chili Sauce If unavailable, mix equal parts ketchup and BBQ sauce.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking pan
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Zesty Meatloaf
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with aluminum foil.
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  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet and sauté 1 chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft.
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  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and ½ cup of milk. Stir in 1 cup of Italian bread crumbs and let it sit for 5 minutes.
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  4. Fold in the sautéed onions, 1 pound of lean ground beef, ½ cup of ketchup or chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
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  5. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan, shaping it into a loaf about 2 inches high.
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  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, then spread a mixture of ¼ cup chili sauce and ¼ cup ketchup over the top.
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  7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonings or swap in ground turkey for a leaner twist. This meatloaf is great for leftovers and sandwiches.

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