Best 3 Top Award Winning Meatloaf Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in a culinary journey with our top award-winning meatloaf recipes, where savory flavors and tender textures come together in perfect harmony. From the classic All-American Meatloaf, bursting with traditional spices, to the unique and tangy Asian-Inspired Meatloaf, tantalize your taste buds with a variety of options.

Discover the secrets behind the Best Meatloaf Ever, a recipe that lives up to its name with its moist, succulent interior and crispy, caramelized crust. For a healthier twist, try the Turkey Meatloaf, packed with lean protein and flavorful vegetables. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, the Lentil Meatloaf offers a hearty and satisfying meatless option.

Each recipe is carefully crafted with detailed instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve meatloaf perfection. Whether you prefer a classic comfort food or are looking to impress your dinner guests with something special, these award-winning meatloaf recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, get ready to elevate your culinary skills and experience the joy of creating mouthwatering meatloaf that will leave your family and friends begging for more.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

THE BEST MEATLOAF



The Best Meatloaf image

We opted for an all-beef meatloaf rather than the traditional mix of beef, veal and pork because we wanted that satisfying big beef flavor. Milk adds richness and tenderizes the meat, preventing it from getting tough or dry. We also cook the onion instead of adding it raw as many recipes suggest, which imparts a welcome sweetness and eliminates that harsh raw onion flavor.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
2 pounds 80/20 ground beef chuck
1/2 cup panko

Steps:

  • Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  • Whisk the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl until completely combined. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add 3 tablespoons of the ketchup and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mixture is thick and brick red colored, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions cool slightly. Then add them to the beaten eggs and mix to combine.
  • Add the beef to the egg and onion mixture. Break up the meat with a fork or wooden spoon, and then mix to thoroughly combine; you don't want to see any lumps of raw beef. Add the panko and mix to combine. Stir the meat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 7 seconds; it will become more homogenous and tackier.
  • Transfer the meat to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 9-by-5-inch loaf. Smooth the top and evenly spread the remaining ketchup over top. Bake for 5 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 150 degrees F, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

MOM'S MEAT LOAF



Mom's Meat Loaf image

Mom made the best meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I first met my husband, he didn't care for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. -Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup 2% milk
2/3 cup finely crushed saltines
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
Dash pepper
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into an 8x4-in. loaf in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan., In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients, stirring to dissolve sugar; remove 1/2 cup for sauce. Spread remaining mixture over meat loaf., Bake 60-65 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 135mg cholesterol, Sodium 1092mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 26g protein.

TOP RATED CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Top Rated Classic Meatloaf image

My family enjoyed the slightly spicy taste of this meatloaf. This recipe, submitted by a local DJ, was in our local paper.

Provided by Rosemary Chapman

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h40m

Yield 1 Meatloaf, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 cup cracker crumb
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, egg, onion and tomato sauce.
  • Mix lightly.
  • Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, water, mustard and vinegar.
  • Brush the loaf with this mixture.
  • Place meat loaf in oven and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce.

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground meat: Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a moist and flavorful meatloaf. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
  • Season the meatloaf well: Use a variety of seasonings to flavor the meatloaf, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Don't overmix the meatloaf: Overmixing the meatloaf will make it tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
  • Shape the meatloaf into a loaf: Use your hands to shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape. Make sure the loaf is evenly shaped so that it cooks evenly.
  • Bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan: Place the meatloaf in a loaf pan and bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the meatloaf retain its moisture.

Conclusion:

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can make a delicious and moist meatloaf that your family and friends will love. Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a side of gravy for a complete and satisfying meal.

Related Topics