When it comes to feeding picky eaters, nothing beats a classic meatloaf recipe that kids just love. As a culinary explorer, I have tasted many meatloaf recipes, but this one is by far the best I have ever had. It’s a kid-friendly recipe that takes little effort to make and the end result is a delicious and moist meatloaf that will have everyone scraping their plates clean.

As an added bonus, this meatloaf recipe is also very flexible when it comes to substitutions and variations. You can easily swap out ingredients or add others according to your preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead of time and reheating when you’re ready to eat.

So, whether you’re a busy mom looking for a hearty meal to feed your family or just looking for an easy and delicious meal idea, this recipe will not disappoint. Trust me; your kids will love this meatloaf and keep asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Do you want an easy and delicious recipe that your kids will love? Look no further! This classic meatloaf recipe is the answer to all your problems. This recipe has been perfected over the years with a mix of spices, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs that make it incredibly juicy and flavorful.

What I love most about this kid-friendly meatloaf recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can make a wholesome and filling meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. No need to spend hours in the kitchen or stress about complicated instructions.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or add in some worcestershire sauce or barbecue sauce for extra flavor. You can even make mini meatloaves using a muffin tin or shape the meat mixture into a volcano for a fun twist on presentation.

But perhaps what makes this the best classic meatloaf recipe is how healthy it is. Unlike some other meatloaf recipes that are loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars, this recipe uses lean ground beef, brown sugar, and tomato sauce for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

So if you want to impress your family with a delicious homemade meatloaf that is easy to make and will have your kids asking for seconds, then give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredient List

“This meatloaf is the superhero every kid needs!”

Ingredients you will need:

1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup minced onion
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon sage
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar

The above ingredients are all you need to make this delicious and easy meatloaf recipe that even kids will love. The ground beef is the most important ingredient and it is recommended to use lean ground beef to make a healthy meatloaf. An egg is required to bind the meat mixture together while breadcrumbs and minced onion add texture and flavors. Milk makes the meatloaf moist and tender. Salt, pepper, dry mustard, nutmeg, and sage are the seasonings used for flavoring. Lastly, the combination of ketchup and brown sugar create an irresistible and tangy glaze that will make you love foot loaf meatloaf even more.

The Recipe How-To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_-HNYkl2ZQ

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time for the fun part: making the meatloaf! Follow these steps to achieve a delicious kid-approved meal:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of minced onion and 1 egg.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1 tablespoon of sage to the mixture.

Step 4: Mix It Up!

Use your hands to combine all ingredients until well mixed. If you want to add a tangy kick, mix in 3/4 cup of barbecue sauce or 3/4 cup of ketchup to the meat mixture.

Step 5: Shape Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan or muffin tin. For a volcano meatloaf kids love, shape it into a volcano by making a hollow center in the middle.

Step 6: Bake It!

Bake for approximately 1 hour or until fully cooked through. A thermometer inserted in the center should read 160°F (70°C).

Step 7: Let It Rest

Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least five minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy a delicious classic meatloaf recipe with chips, mashed potatoes or vegetables on the side.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up with this meatloaf recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to try. For a healthier option, swap out the ground beef with ground turkey or try using a leaner cut of beef. You can also add some grated vegetables like zucchini, carrots or mushrooms to sneak some extra nutrition into your dish.

If your kids have an aversion to some of the ingredients like onion or dry mustard, you can omit those or adjust the amounts to suit their preferences. Use different spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder to give your meatloaf a unique flavor. You could even try making mini meatloaf muffins with a muffin tin for easy portions and a fun presentation.

For a twist on the classic meatloaf recipe, make a volcano meatloaf by stuffing it with mashed potato in the center that will explode out of it when it’s cut! Or mix in some different cheeses like parmesan or cheddar to add extra flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different toppings for your meatloaf. Instead of the classic catsup and brown sugar mixture on top, try making a glaze using barbecue sauce or tomato sauce. Worcestershire sauce is another great ingredient for adding savory flavor to any meatloaf recipe.

Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or explore new ways to make this kid-friendly favorite, there are countless ways to customize your meatloaf recipe and make it your own!

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving and pairing this kid-friendly meatloaf, there are plenty of delicious options to try. Classic side dishes like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes or creamy macaroni and cheese pair perfectly with the comforting flavor of this meatloaf.

For a sweet twist, you can also try serving the meatloaf with some glazed carrots or baked sweet potatoes. Or, if you want to add some extra spice, consider pairing it with a homemade tomato sauce or barbecue sauce.

This recipe is also versatile enough that you could serve it on its own as a main dish, or alongside a salad for a lighter meal. For added convenience, consider making mini-meatloafs using a muffin tin for easy portioning and serving.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this meatloaf is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Its classic taste and kid-approved flavors make it an easy choice for every family mealtime.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

As a culinary explorer, I know that meal prepping is the key to success when it comes to feeding a busy family. That’s why it’s important to know how to store and reheat your favorite meatloaf recipe.

When making this kid-approved beef meatloaf or the classic meatloaf recipe, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. If you’re making the classic meatloaf recipe or any other recipe that serves more than one portion, you can freeze individual portions for quick and easy meal prep during busy weeks.

To store leftovers in the fridge, you should place the leftover meatloaf in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, place the meatloaf slice on a baking sheet, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

If you’re freezing the entire loaf, let it cool to room temperature first before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil. The meatloaf can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, remove from freezer and let it come to room temperature before reheating.

When reheating mini-meatloaves or muffin tin-sized kid-friendly meatloaves, pop them into the oven straight from the freezer at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Remember that when reheating meatloaf, be careful not to overcook them as they could dry out easily. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have delicious meatloaf that is always ready whenever hunger strikes!

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your meatloaf comes out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Firstly, make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly but try not to overwork the meat mixture. You want it to be well combined, but not dense or tough. Because of this, use a gentle touch when combining the ingredients together.

Secondly, don’t forget to let the meatloaf rest before slicing it. Anywhere from 10-15 minutes is perfect. This will allow the flavors to meld together and allow the meat to set for easier slicing.

Thirdly, preheat your oven carefully to ensure even baking. The oven should be set at 350°F (175°C). Also, since different ovens have varying temperatures, it’s a good idea to buy an oven thermometer so you’ll always know the exact temperature of your oven.

Fourthly, experiment with different types of ground meats like ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version of your favorite recipe.

Lastly, add a bit of moisture to the meatloaf mixture by adding vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or even adding more milk and eggs. This tip ensures that your meatloaf doesn’t dry out while baking.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make meatloaf just like my grandma did: delicious and oh-so-comforting!

FAQ

Now that you know how to make the perfect, kid-friendly meatloaf, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions. These questions may include concerns about substitutions, cooking time or even storage. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with answers and tips to help you make the best meatloaf ever. So, let’s dive into answering your most pressing questions.

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

When it comes to cooking meat, it’s important to keep it moist throughout the cooking process. Adding ingredients like eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or barbecue sauce are not just for flavor, but they also help ensure that your meat remains juicy and tender. Don’t skip on these wet seasonings and incorporate them into your recipe at every step to achieve the perfect texture and taste.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

When preparing a meatloaf, it’s important to ensure that it holds together well. Otherwise, you might end up with a crumbly mess instead of a delicious, tender loaf. One of the reasons why meatloaf can fall apart is due to the absence of binding agents such as eggs and breadcrumbs. The combination of these two ingredients helps the meat mixture stick together and stay intact during the cooking process. So, it’s essential to include enough of these binding agents to prevent any disastrous results.

Why do you put milk in meatloaf?

When crafting a meatloaf recipe, incorporating milk can be beneficial in ensuring a moist final product. By hydrating the bread crumbs with milk, the bread becomes softer and fluffier when added to the meat mixture, resulting in a tender meatloaf. However, if milk is not a preferred ingredient, other options such as low sodium beef or chicken stock, water, or non-dairy milk substitutes can be used instead.

How do you make Elvis Presley meatloaf?

For this recipe, you will need to finely chop 1/4 cup of onion and 1/4 cup of celery. Additionally, you will need to mince 2 cloves of garlic. Heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook until it is browned. Include 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to the meat mixture. Tear 3 small or 2 large slices of bread into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Keep stirring and cooking until the bread has absorbed all the juices and become mushy.

Bottom Line

With this recipe, I have shown you just how easy and delicious meatloaf can be. Not only is it a classic comfort food that kids love, but it is also versatile enough to be customized to your liking. From the use of different meats to the addition of unique spices and sauces, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you prefer a traditional meatloaf or a mini muffin-sized version, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients, as there is no one “right” way to make meatloaf.

So next time you’re looking for an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, turn to this classic meatloaf recipe. You won’t be disappointed!

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Vikas

Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.

Delicious and Easy Meatloaf Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings!