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Momma’s Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 101 reviews

Momma’s Meatloaf is a classic, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef blended with aromatics and spices, baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a delicious balance of savory flavors and a moist texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 or leaner preferred)
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 1 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, 1%, or skim)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish using nonstick cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
  2. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Knead with clean hands until all ingredients are evenly mixed but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches high. Place the shaped loaf in the center of the prepared baking dish.
  4. Bake Initial Meatloaf: Place the dish in the oven and bake the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
  5. Prepare the Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
  6. Apply Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven carefully and brush the glaze generously over the top of the loaf.
  7. Bake with Glaze: Increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and return the glazed meatloaf to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef (85/15 or leaner) helps reduce excess fat while keeping the meatloaf moist.
  • Do not overmix ingredients to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
  • Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure safe doneness.
  • You can substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs if available, adjusting quantities accordingly.
  • Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches or can be reheated for another meal.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/mommas-meatloaf-recipe/