Homemade Meatloaf: A Cozy Comfort for Your Dinner Table
There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked meatloaf, don’t you think? The warm aroma wafting through the kitchen, the anticipation of slicing into that perfectly browned exterior, and the feeling of nurturing your family with a beloved dish from your own childhood—it’s a slice of nostalgia that many of us cherish. As the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, this homemade meatloaf makes for the perfect easy weeknight dinner. It takes me back to gatherings at my grandmother’s, where the kitchen was filled with laughter and the savory scent of hearty meals. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: This homemade meatloaf is perfect for busy weekdays. You can have a delicious dinner on the table in under 90 minutes!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters in your family will love this comforting dish. It’s a classic that everyone can enjoy!
- Customizable: Whether you want to add vegetables, different spices, or unique toppings, this recipe is a canvas for your creativity.
- Serve with Sides: It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad to round out your meal.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: You can make it ahead of time and freeze leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner option later on.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Meatloaf
To make this cozy favorite, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Make Homemade Meatloaf
Let’s make it together! Follow these clear and simple steps to create a tender, flavorful meatloaf that will warm your heart.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, and milk. Mix until everything is just combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture!
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
- Spread the glaze generously over the meatloaf, ensuring it coats the top for a delicious finish.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The top should be beautifully caramelized and slightly sticky.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy!
Variations & Creative Twists
To add a personal touch to your meatloaf, try these delicious variations:
- Veggie-Loaded Meatloaf: Add finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the meat mixture for a nutrient boost and extra flavor.
- Zesty BBQ Meatloaf: Swap the traditional glaze for your favorite barbecue sauce and mix in some diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Italian-Inspired Meatloaf: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings such as oregano and basil for a rich, savory twist.
- Mushroom and Cheese Meatloaf: Add sautéed mushrooms and shredded cheese into the mixture for a creamy, indulgent center.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: Prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Shape and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you prefer leaner meat, try using ground turkey—it can be just as flavorful!
- Slicing Tricks: For clean slices, use a sharp knife that you dip in hot water before cutting. This helps keep your meatloaf intact.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze sliced portions for up to 3 months.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s the nutrition information per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the meat mixture and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes, feel free to customize with different ground meats or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? When frozen, slice portions can last up to 3 months for a quick meal later on.
Wrapping It Up
This homemade meatloaf is more than just a dinner dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate—a celebration of comfort that brings families together. Whether you’ve had a long day or just want to whip up a classic recipe, this meal will surely nourish your soul (and your appetite!). Save this Homemade Meatloaf to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat!
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Homemade Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy and comforting homemade meatloaf that brings families together with its tender texture and delicious glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, and milk. Mix until combined, but do not overwork the mixture.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
- Spread the glaze over the meatloaf, ensuring it coats the top.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The top should be caramelized and sticky.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Make-ahead advice: Prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatloaf, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade, family-friendly