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Best Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 50 reviews

This Best Meatloaf Recipe features a flavorful blend of lean ground beef and pork combined with fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and herbs. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze made of tomato sauce, brown sugar, and mustard, this classic comfort dish is baked to perfection, ensuring a moist and delicious meatloaf perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 whole large eggs
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 3 slices bread, torn into pieces
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrot, grated
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork

Topping

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Prepare Bread Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add milk along with the torn bread pieces. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid completely.
  3. Mix Vegetables and Seasonings: To the soaked bread mixture, add the chopped onion, grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Add Meats: Incorporate the lean ground beef and ground pork into the mixture. Mix well to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
  5. Shape Meatloaf: Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap, then place the meat mixture inside, pressing down firmly to shape it evenly within the pan.
  6. Transfer for Baking: Carefully turn the loaf pan upside down onto a foil-lined baking sheet, then remove the plastic wrap so the shaped meatloaf rests directly on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake First Phase: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to begin cooking through.
  8. Prepare and Apply Topping: While baking, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the topping glaze. After the initial 45 minutes of baking, spoon this topping evenly over the meatloaf.
  9. Bake Second Phase and Baste: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. Halfway through this time (after about 15 minutes), baste the meatloaf again with the topping to keep it moist and flavorful.
  10. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Using a mixture of lean ground beef and ground pork helps balance flavor and fat content.
  • Letting the bread soak in eggs and milk ensures a moist and tender meatloaf texture.
  • Basting the meatloaf midway through baking enhances the sweetness and glaze coverage.
  • Resting the meatloaf after baking allows for easier slicing and better flavor retention.
  • Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup from the topping glaze.

Keywords: meatloaf, ground beef, ground pork, cheddar cheese, baked meatloaf, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/best-meatloaf-recipe/