Best 7 Classic American Meatloaf Recipes

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**Classic American Meatloaf: A Comforting Dish with Endless Variations**

The classic American meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. Made with ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, and a variety of seasonings, it is typically baked in a loaf pan and served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. There are countless variations on the classic meatloaf recipe, so you can easily customize it to your own taste preferences. Some popular variations include adding cheese, bacon, or vegetables to the meat mixture, or topping the meatloaf with a glaze or sauce before baking. This article provides three delicious meatloaf recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. The first recipe is for a classic meatloaf made with ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, and a blend of herbs and spices. The second recipe is for a more flavorful meatloaf made with ground turkey, pork, and beef, along with a variety of vegetables and a tangy glaze. The third recipe is for a vegetarian meatloaf made with lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, and a rich tomato sauce. No matter which recipe you choose, you are sure to enjoy this classic American comfort food.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

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.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

The secrets to this meatloaf are fresh, very finely diced vegetables that give it moisture and flavor--and a light touch in mixing together the ingredients. This hearty meatloaf is the perfect meal for cool fall and winter evenings, served with mashed potatoes and simple mushroom gravy.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 carrot, coarsely chopped
1 rib celery, coarsely chopped
½ onion, coarsely chopped
½ red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
4 white mushrooms, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 ½ pounds ground chuck
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
hot pepper sauce to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Place the carrot, celery, onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a puree. Place the minced vegetables into a large mixing bowl, and mix in ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Add Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate vegetables and egg into the meat. Pour in bread crumbs. With your hand, gently mix in the crumbs with your fingertips just until combined, about 1 minute.
  • Form the meatloaf into a ball. Pour olive oil into a baking dish and place the ball of meat into the dish. Shape the ball into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.
  • Bake in the preheated oven just until the meatloaf is hot, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven. With the back of a spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf, then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
  • Return meatloaf to oven, and bake until the loaf is no longer pink inside and the glaze has baked onto the loaf, 30 to 40 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cooking time will depend on shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284.1 calories, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 21.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 755.4 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

CLASSIC MEATLOAF RECIPE



Classic Meatloaf Recipe image

When it comes to making a Classic Meatloaf nobody does it better than Chef Dennis. Flavorful and easy to make at home this American Classic is still bringing smiles to dinner tables around the country.

Provided by Chef Dennis Littley

Categories     Entree

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 lbs ground beef (85 - 90 % Lean)
1 cup onion (finely diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon basil (dried or fresh)
1 teaspoon oregano (dried or fresh)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped (dry can be substituted))
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain, panko or seasoned)
⅓ cup milk
¾ cup ketchup
2 teaspoon cider vinegar (white or wine vinegar can be substituted)
2 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon granulated onion
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 423 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 25 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 128 mg, Sodium 916 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 11 g, ServingSize 1 serving

TRADITIONAL MEATLOAF RECIPE



Traditional Meatloaf Recipe image

Cue one of the most comforting dinners of them all - the traditional meatloaf recipe. Moist and tender, this 2lb meatloaf recipe is easy to make and features a delicious combination of savory meat, meatloaf seasonings and a tangy glaze. This family favorite meal features meatloaf spices like onion powder, garlic powder, a dash of salt and French's® Tomato Ketchup. You can add a special twist by making a meatloaf with breadcrumbs, using a combination of meats like pork and beef, adding a dash of French's® Worcestershire Sauce or mixing in a chopped vegetable like green bell peppers or jalapeño. Throw the ingredients into a bowl, combine together and then transfer to a well-greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a shallow baking pan. The best part of this simple recipe for meatloaf is that you can use the leftovers (if there are any!) as meal prep for a tasty meatloaf sandwich for tomorrow's lunch. Want to serve a crowd? Try making our Meatloaf Bombs and sticking toothpicks in them for easy finger food. This McCormick meatloaf recipe pairs well with French's® Green Bean Casserole, a Vegetable Saute or a Simple Tossed Green Salad.

Provided by McCormick

Categories     Entrees,

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tsp McCormick® Onion Powder
1/2 tsp McCormick® Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp McCormick® Black Pepper, Ground
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup French's® Tomato Ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg and seasonings in large bowl.
  • Shape into a loaf on shallow baking pan. Pour ketchup over top.
  • Bake meatloaf 55 to 60 minutes or until cooked through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 266 Calories

HOME-STYLE MEATLOAF



Home-Style Meatloaf image

When it's comfort that you seek, nothing satisfies quite like a classic meatloaf. And if you don't have a go-to recipe, we offer you this one. It skips any fussy steps and avoids exotic ingredients. This is pure and simple, the perfectly seasoned, down-home version you remember from way way back. So next time you're missing mama's cooking or need a meal that'll go over well with the whole fam, turn to this can't-miss recipe.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix Meatloaf ingredients well. Press mixture in ungreased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake 40 minutes.
  • Remove from oven. Spread 1/4 cup ketchup evenly over top. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of loaf reads 160°F. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 110 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 470 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 0 g

ALL-AMERICAN MEATLOAF



All-American Meatloaf image

The only thing better than a hearty meatloaf dinner is the sandwich you can make with the leftovers.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 19

3 slices white bread
1 large carrot, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1 celery, strings peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves, loosely packed
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons ketchup
4 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
8 ounces ground pork
8 ounces ground veal
8 ounces ground round
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus more needles for sprinkling
2 tablespoons dark-brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small red onion, cut into 1/4 inch-thick rings

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove crusts from bread, and place slices in the bowl of a food processor. Process until fine crumbs form, about 10 seconds. Transfer breadcrumbs to a large mixing bowl. Do not substitute dried breadcrumbs in this step, as they will make your meatloaf rubbery.
  • Place carrot, celery, yellow onion, garlic, and parsley in the bowl of the food processor. Process until vegetables have been minced, about 30 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice. (Chopping vegetables this way saves time and ensures that vegetables will be small enough to cook through and not be crunchy). Transfer vegetables to bowl with the breadcrumbs.
  • Add 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, pork, veal, beef, eggs, salt, pepper, Tabasco, and rosemary. Using your hands, knead the ingredients until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. The texture should be wet, but tight enough to hold a free-form shape.
  • Set a wire baking rack into an 11-by-17-inch baking pan. Cut a 5-by-11-inch piece of parchment paper, and place over center of rack to prevent meat loaf from falling through. Using your hands, form an elongated loaf covering the parchment.
  • Place the remaining 3 tablespoons ketchup, remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over loaf. Place oil in a medium saucepan set over high heat. When oil is smoking, add red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and golden in places. Add 3 tablespoons water, and cook, stirring, until most of the water has evaporated. Transfer onion to a bowl to cool slightly, then sprinkle onion over the meatloaf.
  • Bake 30 minutes, then sprinkle rosemary needles on top. Continue baking loaf until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 160 degrees. about 25 minutes more. Let meatloaf cool on rack, 15 minutes.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Good meatloaf is about as comforting as comfort food gets. Thankfully, meatloaf doesn't have to be complex to be good. It just needs to be tender (from breadcrumbs soaked in milk and gentle handling) and flavorful (from onion, garlic, and ketchup).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 slices white sandwich bread
1/3 cup whole milk
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 medium onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
1/2 cup ketchup
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place bread in food processor; pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in milk. Set aside, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add bread-milk mixture, and mix very gently with a fork (do not overmix).
  • Place meat mixture on prepared baking sheet, and form into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide.
  • Bake, brushing twice with remaining 1/4 cup ketchup during baking, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 g, Fat 33 g, Protein 29 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground beef. An 80/20 blend of ground chuck and ground sirloin is a good option for meatloaf, as it provides a good balance of flavor and fat.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the meatloaf will taste.
  • Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
  • Shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape. This will help it cook evenly.
  • Cook the meatloaf in a preheated oven. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
  • Baste the meatloaf with pan juices. This will help keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meatloaf easier to slice.

Conclusion:

Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious meatloaf that your family and friends will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give meatloaf a try.

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