Homemade Meatloaf – OMG DON’T LOSE THIS

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Homemade meatloaf is a timeless comfort food that evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. This hearty dish often graces family tables,

embodying the essence of home-cooked meals and bringing people together. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for a variety of ingredients, making it easy to customize and adapt to individual tastes and dietary needs.

 

One of the highlights of homemade meatloaf is the glaze or topping that crowns it before baking. This glaze generally includes ketchup or a combination of ketchup and brown sugar, which caramelizes during cooking to form a sweet and tangy crust.

Some variations might use BBQ sauce, homemade tomato sauce, or even a balsamic reduction for a piquant finish. The glaze not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the meatloaf moist during the baking process.

Baking the meatloaf is a straightforward process. The mixture is shaped into a loaf, often placed in a lined or greased loaf pan, or sometimes shaped freeform on a baking sheet.

As it bakes in the oven, the aroma wafts through the house, creating an inviting atmosphere. The cooking time varies based on the size of the loaf but typically ranges from one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes at a temperature of around 350°F (175°C).

To ensure the meatloaf is cooked perfectly, a meat thermometer should be inserted into the center, checking for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Once out of the oven, homemade meatloaf can be allowed to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, contributing to a moist and tender texture. It can be served in thick slices, often accompanied by sides like creamy mashed potatoes,

green beans, or a simple garden salad.

Beyond the comforting experience of enjoying meatloaf fresh from the oven, leftovers are a cherished aspect of this dish. Reheating slices for sandwiches or serving it alongside eggs for breakfast is a delightful way to savor the meal for days to come.

Homemade meatloaf is more than just a recipe; it’s a canvas for creativity, a vessel for cherished family traditions, and a generous embodiment of home-cooked love.

 

Ingredients:
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • ¾ cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced green pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced celery
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

 

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine milk and bread crumbs in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes. Add ground beef, egg, salt, pepper, onion, green pepper, celery, parsley, rosemary, thyme, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix well.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf in the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

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