Homemade Meatloaf – Welcome to the world of comfort food! Our Homemade Meatloaf Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to bring smiles to your family’s faces. With a perfect blend of juicy ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a cheesy surprise, this meatloaf will have you coming back for seconds. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also creates lasting memories around the dinner table. Join us as we share the recipe that has become a staple in our household, and discover why it’s worth a spot in yours.
Ah, the scent of homemade meatloaf wafting through the house—it’s a nostalgic aroma that instantly takes me back to the days when my little family first fell in love with this recipe. I remember the excitement in my husband’s eyes as he took that first bite, savoring the explosion of flavors. It was an instant hit, and since then, our dinner table has never been the same. From lazy Sunday suppers to celebratory feasts, this meatloaf has stood the test of time, becoming our go-to dish for any occasion. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a piece of our family’s history, and now, we invite you to create your own delicious memories.
Why This Meatloaf Recipe Rocks?
- Unmatched Flavor: Our meatloaf is a symphony of savory spices, including dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and a hint of paprika. The combination of these herbs and seasonings elevates the taste to new heights, ensuring each bite bursts with deliciousness.
- Cheesy Surprise: We’ve taken meatloaf to the next level by adding a generous helping of cheddar cheese right into the mixture. As it bakes, the cheese melts, infusing the meatloaf with gooey pockets of irresistible cheesy goodness. It’s a delightful surprise that sets our recipe apart from the rest.
- Perfectly Moist: Thanks to a careful balance of ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and milk-soaked breadcrumbs, our meatloaf retains its moist and juicy texture. Say goodbye to dry, bland meatloaves forever!
Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
- 900 grams (2 lbs.) ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 240 ml (1 cup) milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 120 grams (1 cup) cheddar cheese, shredded
Meatloaf Glaze:
- 80 grams (1/3 cup) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 45 grams (3 tablespoons) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 30 grams (2 tablespoons) sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to get it nice and toasty for our meatloaf masterpiece.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a light spray of oil to prevent any sticky situations. Set it aside, eager to fulfill its destiny.
It’s time to bring the meatloaf magic to life! In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, diced onion, minced garlic, and bread crumbs. Mix everything together until well-combined.
Pour in the milk and beaten eggs, and stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the meatloaf tough, so be gentle!
Now comes the surprise factor—add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and give it one last mix to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the meatloaf.
Shape the beef mixture into a loaf shape and place it lovingly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Let’s give our meatloaf a tantalizing glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and mustard until smooth and well combined.
Brush about half of the glaze generously over the meatloaf, coating it in a layer of sweet and tangy deliciousness.
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for approximately 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This is the moment of transformation when the meatloaf becomes golden and irresistible.
Time for the grand finale! Brush the remaining glaze all over the surface of the meatloaf and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and create a mouthwatering crust.
The suspense is unbearable, but patience is a virtue. Once your meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a tantalizing 10-15 minutes. This brief interlude allows the flavors to settle and ensures easier slicing.
Now, gather your loved ones around the table and slice into that glorious masterpiece. Serve it up alongside your favorite sides, be it creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad, and watch as smiles light up the room.
Notes:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat, such as a blend of beef and pork, for added richness.
- Don’t be shy about customizing your glaze to suit your taste. Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick or a touch of honey for a sweeter twist.
- Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches the next day! Simply slice and serve between two slices of your favorite bread, perhaps with a smear of mayo or tangy mustard.
In conclusion, our Homemade Meatloaf Recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a journey back to the comforts of home, filled with mouthwatering flavors and cherished memories. With its tantalizing blend of herbs, the surprise of melted cheddar cheese, and the delightful glaze that envelops each slice, this meatloaf has captured the hearts and palates of our family.
We invite you to embark on your own meatloaf adventure, savoring the joy of creating a meal that brings loved ones together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will never fail to impress.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the aroma of this classic comfort food fill your home. We guarantee that with each bite of our Homemade Meatloaf, you’ll experience a taste of love, warmth, and the joy of sharing good food with the people you cherish most.
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, and let it become a cherished part of your own family’s story. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Absolutely! Once cooked, allow the meatloaf to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! While we love the gooey goodness of cheddar cheese in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to add your own twist to the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this meatloaf gluten-free, simply replace the plain bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients used, such as Worcestershire sauce and mustard, are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with the meatloaf?
The options are endless! Classic accompaniments include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. You can also get creative and pair it with your favorite sides like garlic butter green beans or sweet potato fries.
Can I make mini meatloaves instead of one large loaf?
Absolutely! If you prefer individual servings, you can divide the meat mixture into smaller portions and shape them into mini loaves. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will cook faster than a single large loaf. Check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Homemade-Meatloaf-2-360x361.jpg)
Homemade Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 900 grams 2 lbs. ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 240 ml 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs beaten
- 120 grams 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Meatloaf Glaze:
- 80 grams 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 45 grams 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 30 grams 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to get it nice and toasty for our meatloaf masterpiece.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a light spray of oil to prevent any sticky situations. Set it aside, eager to fulfill its destiny.
- It's time to bring the meatloaf magic to life! In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, diced onion, minced garlic, and bread crumbs. Mix everything together until well-combined.
- Pour in the milk and beaten eggs, and stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the meatloaf tough, so be gentle!
- Now comes the surprise factor—add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and give it one last mix to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the meatloaf.
- Shape the beef mixture into a loaf shape and place it lovingly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Let's give our meatloaf a tantalizing glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Brush about half of the glaze generously over the meatloaf, coating it in a layer of sweet and tangy deliciousness.
- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for approximately 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This is the moment of transformation when the meatloaf becomes golden and irresistible.
- Time for the grand finale! Brush the remaining glaze all over the surface of the meatloaf and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and create a mouthwatering crust.
- The suspense is unbearable, but patience is a virtue. Once your meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a tantalizing 10-15 minutes. This brief interlude allows the flavors to settle and ensures easier slicing.
- Now, gather your loved ones around the table and slice into that glorious masterpiece. Serve it up alongside your favorite sides, be it creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad, and watch as smiles light up the room.
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