Easiest Meatloaf Recipe
This Meatloaf recipe isn’t merely a dish; it’s a cherished tradition that’s brightened up our dining table for countless years. Bursting with a delightful mix of ground pork and beef, smothered in a rich, sweet, and smoky barbecue sauce, it’s not just a meal but a moment of familial love and warmth, every single time. Each bite, packed with tender and flavorful meat. The delectable tanginess of the barbecue sauce, transports us back to countless cozy family dinners, sparking joy and contentment in every morsel.
Large Onion: Adds a savory depth and sweetness to the meatloaf. Can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor. Breadcrumbs: Give structure and help bind the meatloaf together. If unavailable, crushed crackers or rolled oats can step in. I used Panko breadcrumbs but regular Italian breadcrumbs work as well. Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs and helps keep the meatloaf tender. Swap with broth if dairy-free. Ground Pork And Beef: I love to use a combination of ground pork and beef because the extra fat from the pork contributes to lots of extra flavor and juiciness to the meatloaf. Green Bell Pepper: Infuses a fresh, slightly sweet taste into the loaf. Try red bell peppers for a sweeter touch. Egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together. Use a flax egg for an eggless version. Barbecue Sauce: Brings a smoky and sweet element to the meat. Try a homemade sauce or ketchup as an alternative. Worcestershire Sauce: Offers a rich, umami flavor to enhance the meats. Soy sauce might serve in a pinch. Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Adjust according to preference.
You won’t believe how straightforward making this meatloaf is, and the best part? It’s incredibly delicious! Let’s get started, shall we? First off, fire up your oven to 350°F because we want it nice and hot for our meatloaf. While it’s heating up, grab a loaf pan and give it a good spray with some cooking spray. This ensures our meatloaf won’t stick and will slide out effortlessly once it’s all cooked up. Mix those breadcrumbs and milk together in a big bowl, creating a soft and welcoming bed for the rest of our ingredients. This step makes sure every slice of our meatloaf is tender and juicy. Now, let’s add that onion into the mix, whether it’s grated or chopped, it’s going to add such a nice flavor depth to our meatloaf, along with the rest of the ingredients. Give it a good mix, not too rough though, because keeping it tender is the key! Next, we’re gonna get that meaty mixture into the loaf pan. Shape it lovingly into a classic loaf shape. Now, with that remaining BBQ sauce, paint a nice layer on top. This will bake into a glorious, sticky, sweet topping that you’re going to adore! Pop that beauty in the oven and let it bake for a good 60 to 80 minutes. If you have an instant-read thermometer, do peek in around the hour mark and check it. When it hits 160°F in the center, it’s ready! If you don’t have a thermometer, no stress, just look for that firm top and see if the juices are running clear. Once it’s looking perfect, give it a rest for about 10 minutes before you dive in – it’ll make for easier (and juicier) slicing!
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
Meatloaf freezes extremely well. The great thing is that you can freeze it before or after cooking. To freeze it before, place the meatloaf in a loaf pan and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then in foil and freeze. Thaw it out in the refrigerator for about 18 hours before placing it in the oven to bake. To freeze it after cooking, allow it to cool completely. You can either freeze it in individual slices, wrapped up tightly in plastic wrap or wrap up the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped up slices or loaf into a large freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze individual slices, reheat them in the microwave oven. You can also place the frozen loaf on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
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