Introduction
Welcome to our ultimate guide to creating a classic beef meatloaf that will delight your taste buds and become a family favorite. At [Your Website Name], we believe in the power of good food to bring people together. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe to make a delicious meatloaf using high-quality beef. Get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors and mouthwatering aroma of a classic meatloaf. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You Will Need
To make this classic beef meatloaf, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the greased loaf pan. Press it gently to form an even loaf shape, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 3: Glazing the Meatloaf
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
After the meatloaf has baked for 45 minutes, remove it from the oven and brush the glaze over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for the remaining 15 minutes.
Step 4: Resting and Serving
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf tender and easier to slice.
Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve it warm. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Tips and Variations
- For added flavor, you can mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, into the meatloaf mixture.
- Feel free to customize the meatloaf by adding diced vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for added texture and nutrition.
- Experiment with different seasonings and herbs, such as rosemary or paprika, to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully created a classic beef meatloaf that is sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of high-quality ground beef and flavorful ingredients makes this meatloaf a standout dish. Share it with your loved ones and create cherished memories around the dinner table. Remember to visit [Your Website Name] for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration. Enjoy your homemade classic beef meatloaf!
The Ultimate Classic Beef Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the greased loaf pan. Press it gently to form an even loaf shape, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 3: Glazing the Meatloaf
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
After the meatloaf has baked for 45 minutes, remove it from the oven and brush the glaze over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for the remaining 15 minutes.
Step 4: Resting and Serving
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf tender and easier to slice.
Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve it warm. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.