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Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a quintessential American comfort food that has been a staple in home kitchens for generations. Known for its hearty, satisfying nature, meatloaf combines ground meat—usually beef, pork, or a mixture—with breadcrumbs, eggs, and flavourful seasonings to create a loaf that’s both filling and versatile.

Traditionally served as a family dinner staple, meatloaf can be found across diners and home-cooked meals throughout the United States, often accompanied by mashed potatoes, vegetables, or gravy. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, affordability, and ability to feed a crowd, making it an enduring symbol of home-style cooking. Meatloaf remains a favorite in countless food recipes, especially among Home Cooks worldwide who enjoy customizing it to suit their tastes and traditions.

What makes meatloaf so beloved is its adaptability; cooks often personalize the recipe with different spices, vegetables, or toppings like ketchup, barbecue sauce, or a tomato glaze. On platforms like Cookpad, home chefs share creative twists and family secrets behind their versions of this classic. It’s an easy dish to prepare ahead of time and reheat, which adds to its appeal for busy households. Whether baked in a loaf pan or shaped by hand, meatloaf offers a comforting, savory meal that continues to inspire nostalgic and practical food recipes around the world.

Classic Meatloaf Recipe (Serves 6)

Ingredients

1½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
½ cup milk
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
½ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently until combined but don’t overwork the meat.

3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.

4. Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf.

5. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meat is cooked through.

6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your Favorite sides.

Meatloaf FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, but the meatloaf may be less moist. Adding a bit of olive oil or extra milk helps keep it tender.

Q: How do I keep meatloaf from drying out?
Use a mix of meats with some fat content, don’t overmix, and avoid overbaking. Adding milk and Worcestershire sauce also helps.

Q: Can I freeze meatloaf?
Yes, meatloaf freezes well either cooked or uncooked. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: What are good side dishes to serve with meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are classic choices.