Best Easy Meatloaf Recipe with 6 ingredients
Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food, beloved for its hearty flavor and satisfying texture. Our recipe elevates this classic dish with a blend of traditional and modern flavors, ensuring a moist and flavorful loaf every time. Below, you’ll find a detailed ingredients table and step-by-step instructions to create the perfect meatloaf.
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Meat & Protein | 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean) |
| 1/2 lb ground pork | |
| Vegetables | 1 medium onion, finely diced |
| 2 garlic cloves, minced | |
| 1/2 cup finely diced celery | |
| Binders | 1 cup breadcrumbs |
| 2 large eggs | |
| Liquids | 1/2 cup milk |
| Seasonings | 1 tsp salt |
| 1/2 tsp black pepper | |
| 1 tsp smoked paprika | |
| 1 tsp dried thyme | |
| 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce | |
| Glaze | 1/2 cup ketchup |
| 2 tbsp brown sugar | |
| 1 tbsp Dijon mustard |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, garlic, celery, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. Using your hands or a large spoon, mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.
3. Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture.
4. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently to shape it into a loaf, ensuring it is evenly packed.
5. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring full coverage for a beautiful caramelized finish.
6. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-75 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
7. Rest and Slice
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and tender.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf
Choose the Right Meat
A combination of ground beef and pork ensures a balance of flavor and fat. For a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
Enhance the Texture
Incorporating finely diced vegetables like onions and celery not only adds flavor but also keeps the meatloaf moist.
Glaze Variations
Experiment with different glazes to suit your taste. Honey barbecue sauce or a spicy sriracha glaze can add an exciting twist.
Avoid Overmixing
When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overworking the mixture can result in a tough texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a unique touch, serve with a side of garlic bread or a dollop of horseradish cream.
Advantages of Meatloaf
- Versatility:
Meatloaf can be customized with different types of meat, seasonings, and glazes, allowing for endless flavor variations. - Affordability:
Meatloaf is a budget-friendly dish that uses simple and cost-effective ingredients like ground meat and breadcrumbs. - Ease of Preparation:
With straightforward steps and minimal culinary skills required, it’s a great recipe for beginner cooks. - Nutritional Value:
By incorporating vegetables and lean meats, meatloaf can be a balanced source of protein, vitamins, and fiber. - Make-Ahead Friendly:
Meatloaf can be prepared in advance, frozen, and baked when needed, making it a convenient meal option. - Family Favorite:
Its comforting flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for family dinners. - Leftovers:
Meatloaf tastes great the next day and can be repurposed into sandwiches, wraps, or even crumbled into pasta dishes.
Disadvantages of Meatloaf
- High-Calorie Content:
Depending on the meat and glaze used, meatloaf can be calorie-dense, which may not align with certain dietary restrictions. - Time-Consuming:
While preparation is simple, the cooking time of 60-75 minutes can be lengthy, especially for weeknight dinners. - Risk of Dryness:
If not properly mixed or overbaked, meatloaf can become dry and unappetizing. - Potential for Blandness:
Without proper seasoning, meatloaf can lack flavor, making it less appealing. - Requires Monitoring:
Achieving the perfect internal temperature requires careful attention and the use of a meat thermometer. - Limited Appeal to Some Diets:
It may not cater to vegetarians, vegans, or those with certain dietary restrictions without significant modification. - Messy Cleanup:
The grease rendered during cooking can lead to a messy loaf pan and extra cleanup efforts.
