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The Best Meatloaf

The Best Meatloaf Recipe That Will Wow Your Dinner Guests

The Best Meatloaf is a comfort food that brings nostalgia with its savory flavor and family-friendly variations.
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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
  • ½ medium Onion, diced Provides sweetness and flavor; sauté for tenderness.
  • 1 teaspoon Butter Used for sautéing onions which adds richness.
  • 2 whole Eggs Acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf together.
  • ¾ cup Milk Adds moisture for a tender texture; substitute with any plant milk if desired.
  • ¾ cup Italian Bread Crumbs Provides bulk and absorbs moisture; use gluten-free bread crumbs for an alternative.
  • 2 pounds Lean Ground Beef (80/20) The main ingredient that gives this meatloaf its hearty flavor and moisture.
  • 1 tablespoon Ketchup or Chili Sauce Enhances flavor; chili sauce can add extra zest.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Adds depth of flavor to the meatloaf.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or 2 teaspoons dried Brings a burst of freshness and color.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Introduces a subtle heat to the meatloaf.
For the Topping
  • ½ cup Chili Sauce Provides a zesty glaze that elevates the dish.
  • ½ cup Ketchup Adds sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (optional) Contributes additional sweetness and caramelization to the topping.

Equipment

  • Baking Pan
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a rimmed baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat in a small skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until translucent.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 beaten eggs, ¾ cup of milk, and ¾ cup of Italian bread crumbs. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Add 2 pounds of lean ground beef, the cooled sautéed onions, 1 tablespoon of ketchup or chili sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to the bowl. Mix gently.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, shaping it into a loaf.
  6. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Prepare the glaze by mixing ½ cup of chili sauce, ½ cup of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
  7. Remove the meatloaf after 40 minutes, spread the glaze evenly over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 15-30 minutes.
  8. For a caramelized topping, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest after baking to retain juices and improve slicing. Feel free to customize with additional spices or veggies.

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