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Hearty Meatloaf

This meatloaf combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and aromatic vegetables to create a dense, flavorful loaf with a crispy top. It's baked until golden brown, with a juicy interior that holds together firmly but remains tender, making it perfect for comforting meals and leftovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80% lean) Juicy and flavorful
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Use panko for extra crunch
  • 2 eggs Binding agent
  • 1 medium onion Finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Optional but adds depth
  • to taste salt and pepper Season generously
  • 0.5 cup ketchup or smoky glaze Optional topping

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven thermometer
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and set your loaf pan aside.
  2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, filling the air with their savory aroma.
  3. Warm a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onion and garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, until translucent and slightly golden.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked onion mixture, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently fold everything together until just combined — don’t overmix to keep it tender.
  5. Shape the mixture into a compact loaf and place it into your prepared loaf pan, pressing down gently to ensure it holds together.
  6. Bake the meatloaf in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
  7. Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps it from falling apart when sliced.
  8. Optional: Spread a layer of ketchup or smoky glaze over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes under the broiler to caramelize and add a sweet-tangy finish.
  9. Slice the meatloaf into hearty pieces, revealing its dense, juicy interior with a crispy top, ready to serve alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, mix in some chopped herbs or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense. Resting the meatloaf is key for clean slices.