A wonderful classic comfort food that has warmed dinner tables for decades is meat loaf. Meat loaf is a versatile meal with savory flavors and heavy texture to be enjoyed any time of the year. Here we will discuss a great traditional meat loaf recipe, deconstruct the elements, and go through some ideas and tweaks to improve your meat loaf game.
Ingredients in detail
Traditional beef loaf production requires :
- One pound 80 to 85% lean ground beef
- Half pound ground pork, optional for deeper flavor and texture
- One cup crumbled or breadcrumbs
- One medium onion, coarsely chopped.
- minced two cloves of garlic.
- Half cup milk
- One huge egg.
- Two teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- One tsp of salt
- Halved tsp black pepper
- half tsp dried thyme
- One fourth cup ketchup, or BBQ sauce for a smokey variation.
- Two tablespoons mustard, optional for more tang
About the Glaze:
- one fourth cup ketchup
- Two tablespoons brown sugar
- One tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven and pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan lightly or spread parchment paper in a baking sheet. The first preparations of the pan and oven ensure that your meat loaf will cook evenly without losing heat, thus making it right
2. Mix the Ingredients
Note: If using Worcestershire sauce, use only one tablespoon as the specific recipe requirement; however if you prefer using Apple cider vinegar, you can add more than a tablespoon if needed.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, chopped onions, garlic, and breadcrumbs. Add milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently with your hands or a large spoon just until just combined. This avoids overmixing and building a firm meat loaf.
3. Shape the loa.
Spoon the mixture into a loaf pan or onto your prepared baking sheet. If shaping it free-form on a baking sheet, shape into a 8 inch long by 4 inch wide loaf. Press it gently to make sure it holds well together.
4. Add the glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze. Spread half of this glaze mixture atop the top of the meat loaf before baking; reserve the other half to spread during the last 15 minutes of cooking to add another layer of sticky, savory glaze.
5. Bake the Meat Loaf.
Bake the beef loaf for 45 to 55 minutes or until an internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Top with the remaining glaze and caramelize it for the perfect finishing around fifteen minutes before the meat loaf is done.
6. Resting and Service
This beef loaf should rest for around ten minutes after the oven has been taken out before it is cut. The resting time allows the liquids to migrate inside the bread, so every slice becomes moist and delectable.
Service Tips
Meat loaf is best served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad. For a classic comfort food meal, you can serve it with a slice of buttered bread or hot green beans on the side.
Notes and Variations
- Add vegetables; finely grated zucchini or carrots add extra flavor and moisture. They also increase the nutritional value, so transforming the dish from somewhat unhealthy without losing flavor.
- Test Meats: Mix some zest in with the ground beef, pork, and even veal, which is more costly. Ground turkey or chicken works as a good leaner substitution if you find that additional seasoning is needed.
- Cheese Lover’s Meat Loaf: Toss shredded Parmesan or cheddar into the mixture to make a cheesier meat loaf, or place pieces within the loaf for a cheesy surprise.
- Add some smoked heat to your meat loaf by tossing in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a bit of red pepper flakes.
Leftover Ideas
Meat loaf is pretty much the best of foods because leftovers are just as great. Here are some creative ways to use up any remaining slices:
- Serve between two slices of bread with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato for a speedy lunch.
- Cut the leftover meat loaf into bite-sized pieces and fry with sliced potatoes and bell peppers in a filling breakfast hash.
- Crumb up meat loaf, combine with marinara sauce and noodles for a quick pasta meal filled with meat.
Final Thoughts
All ages enjoy meat loaf because of its versatility and comforting tastes. Along with the juicy texture, its mix of savory and somewhat sweet tastes makes for a filling dinner ideal for family gatherings or meal prep. This meal will be a hit at any dinner table whether you keep it classic or play about with tastes.
