The Ultimate Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Welcome to District Fresh Kitchen, where we take immense pride in sharing our mouthwatering Meatloaf recipe! This delectable dish is a perfect combination of tender, juicy ground beef mixed with fresh ingredients and seasonings, all wrapped in a sweet and tangy glaze that will tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will divulge our secret tips, tricks, and expert techniques to make the BEST Meatloaf you’ve ever tasted. So get ready to elevate your culinary prowess as we walk you through each step of this phenomenal recipe.

Ingredients to Create Meatloaf Perfection

Our Meatloaf boasts an impressive array of flavorful ingredients that guarantee a sensational dining experience. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

– 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 large eggs
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 Tbsp ketchup
– 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 1/3 cup milk
– 1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
– 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
– ¼ tsp ground black pepper
– ½ tsp ground paprika

Crafting the Perfect Meatloaf

1. Preparation and Pan Setup:

– Line a 9″x5″ loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the meatloaf after baking.
– Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure the ideal cooking temperature.

2. Combining the Ingredients:

– In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, fresh parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and ground paprika.
– Mix the ingredients thoroughly, being cautious not to overmix, as this may lead to a tough and dense meatloaf.

3. Forming the Meatloaf:

– Gently press the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it holds its shape.

4. The Initial Bake:

– Bake the meatloaf at 375°F for approximately 40 minutes, allowing it to cook evenly and retain its tender texture.

The Irresistible Meatloaf Sauce

Our meatloaf sauce is the crowning glory of this recipe, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s how you can prepare it:

– 3 Tbsp ketchup
– 2 Tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 Tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white)

1. Creating the Glaze:

– In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
– This heavenly sauce will caramelize while baking, imparting an irresistibly rich taste to the meatloaf.

2. Final Glazing and Baking:

– Spread the prepared sauce over the meatloaf, ensuring every inch is coated evenly.
– Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

The Perfect Meatloaf: Serving and Storage Tips

Congratulations on creating a masterpiece! To ensure you enjoy every bit of this mouthwatering meatloaf, here are some serving and storage tips:

1. Let it Rest:

– Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

2. Serve with Style:

– Accompany your meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a side of asparagus for a complete and delightful meal.

3. Handling Leftovers:

– If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, consider trying these creative ideas:
– Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches
– Transform it into Spaghetti Bolognese by adding the meat to the sauce.
– Use it in Beef Tacos – simply break up the meat and stuff it in tacos.
– Whip up a Quick Beef Chili – just stir, simmer, and enjoy!

4. Freezing the Meatloaf:

– Yes, you can freeze meatloaf before cooking for future convenience.
– To freeze, prepare the meatloaf per instructions and tightly cover it with plastic wrap and foil.
– Defrost the raw meatloaf in the refrigerator before proceeding with the baking instructions.

Final Thoughts

With this spectacular Meatloaf recipe, you’re well on your way to becoming a culinary genius! The combination of premium ground beef, carefully chosen ingredients, and the irresistible glaze sets this dish apart from the rest. Be sure to capture your culinary triumphs by sharing your creations on social media. Tag us at #ValentinasCorner and join us on our delicious blogging journey!

—

Nutrition Facts

*Amount Per Serving (1 serving, approximately 1/8 of the meatloaf)*
– Calories: 344
– Calories from Fat: 162
– Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
– Cholesterol: 118mg
– Sodium: 910mg
– Potassium: 507mg
– Carbohydrates: 18g (Sugar: 11g)
– Protein: 24g
– Vitamin A: 410IU
– Vitamin C: 4.5mg
– Calcium: 65mg
– Iron: 3.3mg