Best 3 Chef Johns Classic Meatloaf Recipes

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**Introducing Chef John's Classic Meatloaf and Other Delectable Meatloaf Recipes**

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Chef John's classic meatloaf, a culinary masterpiece that blends the savory flavors of ground beef, pork, and veal with a symphony of aromatic herbs and spices. This traditional meatloaf recipe is elevated with a tantalizing glaze, ensuring a moist and flavorful loaf that will leave you craving for more.

But that's not all! This article is a treasure trove of meatloaf recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From the tangy and sweet BBQ Meatloaf to the cheesy and indulgent Cheeseburger Meatloaf, there's a meatloaf recipe here to satisfy every palate.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating a perfect meatloaf, from selecting the right ingredients to achieving the perfect texture and taste. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a delightful journey into the world of meatloaf mastery.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CHEF JOHN'S MEATBALL-INSPIRED MEATLOAF



Chef John's Meatball-Inspired Meatloaf image

The main point of this Italian meatball-inspired meatloaf is to show you what happens when you make meatloaf like your grandparents did. During the Great Depression, this type of dish was a popular strategy for stretching what little meat you had into as filling a meal as possible.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, diced
salt to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups very dry white bread crumbs
1 ½ cups milk
2 pounds ground chuck
½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
3 cups tomato sauce, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion with a pinch of salt in hot oil and butter until onion is golden brown and soft, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove skillet from heat and cool onion mixture to room temperature.
  • Place bread crumbs in a large bowl. Add milk and stir with a fork until combined. Let sit until all of the milk is absorbed into the breadcrumbs, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Combine ground chuck, cooled onion mixture, parsley, Parmesan cheese, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Grab a handful of breadcrumbs and squeeze very gently to remove excess milk. Repeat with remaining breadcrumbs, transfer breadcrumbs to ground chuck mixture, and discard excess milk. Stir ground chuck mixture until evenly combined.
  • Turn chuck mixture out into prepared baking dish, and shape meat into a 3x4x10-inch meatloaf. Pour tomato sauce over the loaf and into the bottom of the dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Let meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 286.3 calories, Carbohydrate 19.4 g, Cholesterol 85.8 mg, Fat 14.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 19.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 1129.3 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

GOOD EATS MEATLOAF



Good Eats Meatloaf image

For an easy weeknight standby, try Alton Brown's Good Eats Meatloaf recipe from Food Network, made complete with a tangy ketchup glaze.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

6 ounces garlic-flavored croutons
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 onion, roughly chopped
1 carrot, peeled and broken
3 whole cloves garlic
1/2 red bell pepper
18 ounces ground chuck
18 ounces ground sirloin
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg
1/2 cup catsup
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Dash Worcestershire sauce
Dash hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon honey

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • In a food processor bowl, combine croutons, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and thyme. Pulse until the mixture is of a fine texture. Place this mixture into a large bowl. Combine the onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper in the food processor bowl. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, but not pureed. Combine the vegetable mixture, ground sirloin, and ground chuck with the bread crumb mixture. Season the meat mixture with the kosher salt. Add the egg and combine thoroughly, but avoid squeezing the meat.
  • Pack this mixture into a 10-inch loaf pan to mold the shape of the meatloaf. Onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, turn the meatloaf out of the pan onto the center of the tray. Insert a temperature probe at a 45 degree angle into the top of the meatloaf. Avoid touching the bottom of the tray with the probe. Set the probe for 155 degrees.
  • Combine the catsup, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce and honey. Brush the glaze onto the meatloaf after it has been cooking for about 10 minutes.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Keep this meatloaf recipe handy: It's the only one you'll need.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds ground meatloaf mix (equal parts ground beef, pork and veal or turkey)
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  • Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
  • Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

  • Select the Right Ground Beef: Choose an 80/20 ground beef ratio for a moist and flavorful meatloaf. A higher fat content ensures juiciness, while the leaner meat adds structure.
  • Don't Overwork the Mixture: Mix the ingredients gently and thoroughly until just combined. Overworking can result in a tough meatloaf.
  • Use a Loaf Pan with Holes: This allows excess fat to drain during baking, preventing a greasy meatloaf.
  • Chill the Meatloaf before Baking: Chilling helps the meatloaf hold its shape and enhances the flavor.
  • Bake at a High Temperature Initially: Start by baking at 450°F for 15 minutes to create a flavorful crust. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking until done.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F before removing it from the oven.
  • Let the Meatloaf Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.

Conclusion:

Chef John's Classic Meatloaf recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines simple ingredients and techniques to create a comforting and flavorful dish. By following these tips and paying attention to the details, you can elevate your meatloaf game and impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering meal. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ground beef, seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a tangy glaze that caramelizes during baking. Experiment with different variations, such as adding sautéed vegetables, cheese, or herbs, to create your unique signature meatloaf. Whether you serve it as a main course with classic sides or pack it for lunch, this meatloaf is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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