This meatloaf recipe is perfect for those who love their meatloaf, which is bursting with flavour—moist, tender, and holding its shape when sliced. Topped with a sweet and tangy caramelized glaze, this dish is much more than just ground beef in loaf form. It’s an irresistible, comforting meal, where every bite is packed with rich flavour and a perfectly sticky glaze that elevates it beyond the traditional meatloaf.
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A more flavorful and juicier version of a classic Meatloaf recipe.
The key to making an incredibly flavorful loaf lies in a few simple tricks: using ground beef with at least 15% fat, adding plenty of seasonings, and grating the onion instead of dicing it.
Seasonings: This recipe not only uses common flavour enhancers like thyme, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce but also takes it up a notch by substituting salt with granulated beef bouillon. This provides a much deeper, richer taste compared to plain salt.
Grated onion: Grating the onion releases its juices, which the breadcrumbs absorb, making the loaf tender and moist. This method infuses the dish with a subtle onion flavour, eliminating the need to sauté diced onions separately. It’s an effective trick that results in a juicier, more flavorful meatloaf.
How to make this loaf
- Use high-fat meat: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content to keep the meatloaf juicy and prevent it from becoming dry or grainy.
- Add moisture throughout: Incorporate ingredients like eggs, ketchup, or milk at each step to ensure your meatloaf stays moist.
- Incorporate soaked bread: Using crustless bread soaked in milk or broth helps bind the meat and adds essential moisture.
- Saute vegetables: Cooked vegetables, like onions and peppers, add flavour and moisture, helping to prevent the meatloaf from drying out.
- Avoid over-mixing: Gently mix the ingredients together to keep the meatloaf tender. Over-mixing can result in a dense texture.
- Taste before baking: Test the seasoning by cooking a small piece of the meat mixture in a pan to ensure the flavour is just right.
- Space in the pan: Give the meatloaf room in the baking pan to ensure even cooking and allow excess fat to drain away.
- Add a glaze: Brush the loaf with a sweet or tangy glaze, like ketchup or barbecue sauce, for a flavorful finish.
Essential Tips and FAQ for Making the Perfect Loaf!
Why does my loaf fall apart?
This loaf can fall apart if the ingredients aren’t mixed thoroughly, or if the loaf isn’t packed tightly enough. Using a loaf pan helps maintain the shape. Some cracking is actually good, as it allows the glaze to seep in, adding extra flavour.
Do you need a loaf pan?
For the juiciest loaf, using a loaf pan is highly recommended. It helps the meatloaf cook evenly, retain moisture by cooking in its own juices, and hold its shape. If you bake it without a loaf pan, the edges may overcook before the centre is fully done or turn out too dense and dry.
Should this loaf be covered while baking?
No, leaving the meatloaf uncovered is best to allow it to brown and the glaze to caramelize. However, if it starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
How long to cook a 1kg/2lb this loaf?
A 1kg (2lb) meatloaf typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake at 180°C (350°F).
the loaf Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this homemade loaf:
For the glaze, use a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for a sweet and tangy topping.
For the meatloaf: Ground beef, an egg, chopped onion, milk, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
How to Make this loaf at Home
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll do when making homemade meatloaf:
Bake in a preheated oven until the meatloaf is cooked through and no longer pink in the centre.
Combine all the meatloaf ingredients and press the mixture into a loaf pan.
Mix the glaze ingredients, then spread it over the top of the loaf.
What Temperature Is a Loaf Done?
To check if your meatloaf is fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer placed in the centre. It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be considered safe to eat. This method ensures doneness without cutting into the meatloaf and losing moisture. Let it rest after cooking for the best flavour and texture.
Why do you put milk in a loaf?
Milk and other dairy products like heavy cream and buttermilk provide moisture to meatloaf in two forms: water and fat. This dual moisture source helps keep the meatloaf tender and juicy. There’s also a long-standing belief that milk can tenderize ground meat, which is why milk is often used in recipes like Bolognese-style ragù, where ground meat is cooked in milk to achieve a rich, tender texture.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
Directions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, milk, bread crumbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
Step 3:
Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a different small bowl. Spread this sauce evenly over the meatloaf.
Step 4:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the centre of the meatloaf is no longer pink.
In conclusion, meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that has stood the test of time due to its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavour. This classic dish combines ground meat, bread crumbs, and seasonings, with various customization options, such as sautéed vegetables, different types of cheese, or unique spice blends. The sweet and tangy glaze of ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar adds a layer of flavour that perfectly complements the savoury meat mixture.
Not only is meatloaf easy to prepare, but it’s also ideal for feeding families, making it a favourite for weeknight dinners and gatherings. It can be made ahead of time and is just as delicious as leftovers. With countless variations and room for personal touches, meatloaf remains a timeless dish that satisfies cravings for hearty, homemade meals. Whether you’re making a traditional recipe or experimenting with your own, meatloaf is sure to be a comforting and flavorful hit at the table.