Classic Beef Meatloaf

There’s something comforting and nostalgic about a home-cooked meal like Classic Beef Meatloaf. Growing up, my family often gathered around the dining table, and the aroma of a freshly baked meatloaf was a signal that something special was about to happen. I remember how my mom would mix the ingredients with her hands, laughing and talking about her day, while I eagerly awaited my favorite part—slicing the meatloaf and drizzling it with that sweet ketchup topping. It’s a dish that warms the heart and brings everyone together, making it a staple in our home.

Recipe Ingredients for Classic Beef Meatloaf

The beauty of Classic Beef Meatloaf lies in its simple yet effective ingredients. Each plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The star of the show is certainly the ground beef, but it’s the combination of breadcrumbs and eggs that provide the necessary binding. Together, these ingredients create a comforting meal that warms the heart.

• 2 pounds ground beef, 85/15
• 4 slices white bread, cut into small cubes
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
• ¼ cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon dried poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

The Process for Making Classic Beef Meatloaf

Making Classic Beef Meatloaf is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Let’s not waste any time and dive right into this delicious process. It’s easier than you might think!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with foil. This makes cleanup a breeze! Place it aside for now.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cubed bread, eggs, milk, chopped onion, chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, dried poultry seasoning, and black pepper. It’s important to mix these ingredients well, so your meatloaf is flavorful throughout.
3. Using your hands, mix everything together until well combined. The meat is usually cold, so you might want to take a few breaks to warm your hands. You can also use a silicone spatula, but I believe mixing by hand helps incorporate everything better.
4. Once the meat mixture is ready, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Form it into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide and 12 inches long. This helps it cook evenly!
5. Now, place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, as it should begin to brown nicely.
6. After the first hour of baking, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, corn syrup, and brown sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until it feels firm. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
8. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more flavorful.
9. Slice the meatloaf into portions and enjoy! It’s perfect for dinner or even as a delicious sandwich the next day.
10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You’ll find it tastes just as good the next day!

Substitutions and Tips

When making Classic Beef Meatloaf, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind. They will ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time. Here’s a list to consider:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the meatloaf before baking. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor.
• Pairing: Serve alongside mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra flavor boost.

Great Combinations for Classic Beef Meatloaf

Serving Classic Beef Meatloaf opens up a world of flavors and side dishes that perfectly complement its savory essence. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect partner for meatloaf, soaking up all those delicious juices.
• Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans offer a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the meatloaf.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are fantastic for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
• Salad: A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm meatloaf.
• Vegetable Medley: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, bring color and nutrition to your meal.
• Occasions: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, Classic Beef Meatloaf fits right in.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Classic Beef Meatloaf is not just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt dish that brings people together. Its comforting flavor and satisfying texture make it a family favorite. I encourage you to try it yourself and witness the joy it brings to your table. Happy cooking!

Classic Beef Meatloaf

The ultimate comfort food, Classic Beef Meatloaf brings together hearty flavors and a delightful texture. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for the whole family and is sure to become a favorite in your home. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground beef 85/15
• 4 slices white bread cut into small cubes
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup yellow onion finely chopped
• ¼ cup celery finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon dried poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Equipment

• Poultry Seasoning
• large mixing bowl
• Baking Sheet Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with foil. This makes cleanup a breeze! Place it aside for now.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cubed bread, eggs, milk, chopped onion, chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, dried poultry seasoning, and black pepper. It's important to mix these ingredients well, so your meatloaf is flavorful throughout.
3. Using your hands, mix everything together until well combined. The meat is usually cold, so you might want to take a few breaks to warm your hands. You can also use a silicone spatula, but I believe mixing by hand helps incorporate everything better.
4. Once the meat mixture is ready, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Form it into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide and 12 inches long. This helps it cook evenly!
5. Now, place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. You'll want to keep an eye on it, as it should begin to brown nicely.
6. After the first hour of baking, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, corn syrup, and brown sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until it feels firm. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
8. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more flavorful.
9. Slice the meatloaf into portions and enjoy! It’s perfect for dinner or even as a delicious sandwich the next day.
10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You’ll find it tastes just as good the next day!

Notes

• Tip 1: If you don’t want to use light corn syrup in the ketchup mixture, add more brown sugar or leave it out altogether. How sweet you like your ketchup mixture can vary from person to person.
• Tip 2: I like to use 85/15 or 90/10 for my meatloaf. It would be best to have some fat so the meatloaf does not dry out while baking. 80/20 makes a good meatloaf, too, but it will give off more fat.
• Tip 3: I like to line my baking sheet with foil as it’s much easier to clean up. The foil will catch all the fat from the meatloaf while baking.
• Tip 4: Dried poultry seasoning typically consists of sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, nutmeg, and black pepper.
• Tip 5: I like to use simple sliced bread like Wonder Bread. If you’re using much larger slices (think Pepperidge Farm style bread, which tends to be much larger than traditional bread), then you’ll use three slices instead.
• Tip 6: Meatloaf is fully cooked at 160 degrees F internally.

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Meet Diana Foster

I appreciate the beauty of a well-made meal, but I also value simplicity. I’m always looking for that perfect balance of big flavor and low stress. I developed this recipe to be reliable, tasty, and perfect for your daily rotation.