Delicious Homemade Meatloaf: Perfect Family Meal Recipe

Have you ever tasted a meatloaf that was so delicious and comforting that it made you feel like you’re in your mom’s kitchen again? Well, that’s what this recipe is all about. I’m thrilled to share with you my mom’s meatloaf recipe, a classic dish that has been passed down from generation to generation.

My mom’s meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food, a warm and hearty dish that always hits the spot. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures with a blend of lean ground beef, onions, bread crumbs, and spices baked until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of happy childhood memories around the dinner table. I’m sure it will do the same for you.

In this article, I will share everything you need to know about making a delicious mom’s meatloaf to perfection. From the ingredients list to how-to make it, substitutions, storage tips, serving suggestions and much more. So, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you tired of the same old boring meatloaf recipes? Do you want to discover the ultimate mom’s meatloaf recipe that will make you fall in love with meatloaf all over again? Look no further than this classic and beloved meatloaf recipe!

This recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with a touch of brown sugar that complements the tanginess of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. The diced onions add texture and flavor, while the minced garlic cloves bring a bold aroma to your kitchen. The breadcrumbs and milk give the meatloaf an irresistible tenderness, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

What makes this recipe extra special is the use of both lean ground beef and ground pork, ensuring a mouthwatering blend of flavors. And don’t forget the eggs – two large eggs beaten to perfection will help bind all these incredible ingredients together.

The best part is that this meatloaf can be served as a hearty main course for any day of the week, or dressed up for a special occasion, such as a retro 50’s-themed party or a classic homemade dinner party. This versatile dish pairs perfectly with fresh green beans or crispy oven-roasted potatoes.

Trust me when I say that once you try this mom’s meatloaf recipe, you’ll never look back! It’s perfect for anyone who loves an old-fashioned, homemade taste. Impress your guests with this deliciously comforting classic dish – it’ll be your new go-to recipe!

Ingredient List

Before starting the preparation of this Mom’s Meatloaf Recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients required for this recipe. You might already have most of them in your pantry. For the meat mixture, we will be using a combination of lean ground beef and ground pork, which makes it moist and tender. We will also need a combination of vegetables and seasonings to enhance the flavor of our meatloaf. Let’s take a look at all our ingredients below.

Meat Mixture

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Note that if you want to make any substitutions, keep in mind that it might affect the final result. So I’d recommend following this ingredient list carefully for the best meatloaf!

The Recipe How-To

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part: making the meatloaf. This recipe is relatively easy and straightforward to follow. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make my mom’s famous meatloaf recipe:

Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it will be ready when you are.

Step 2: Make the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together two pounds of lean ground beef and one pound of ground pork.

Step 3: Add in the Remaining Ingredients

Add in one large egg beaten, one and a half cups of breadcrumbs, one cup of minced white onion, three-quarters cup of milk, two garlic cloves finely minced, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and finally, one teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Mix Well

Mix all of these ingredients together thoroughly until everything is combined.

Step 5: Shape into a Loaf

Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in an oven-safe dish.

Step 6: Mix Brown Sugar with Ketchup for Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together half a cup of ketchup with quarter a cup of brown sugar for the topping.

Step 7: Spread Topping Over Meat Loaf

Spread this mixture over the top of your meatloaf so that it is fully covered.

Step 8: Bake Your Meatloaf

Pop the dish in the oven for approximately one hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 9: Let it Rest

Once done, remove from heat and let rest for about ten minutes before serving.

Chef’s Tips:

• You can use either all lean ground beef or a combination of beef and pork.
• If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use rolled oats instead.
• You can make this recipe with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• Adding some diced bell peppers gives your meatloaf an amazing texture and flavour.

Making meatloaf could be intimidating at first glance but using my Mom’s meatloaf recipe makes it simple yet mouthwatering meal that everyone loves!

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to switch things up or accommodate certain dietary restrictions? Luckily, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make for Mom’s Meatloaf recipe. Here are a few ideas:

– Ground Beef: While this recipe calls specifically for lean ground beef, you can use regular ground beef, ground turkey, or even a combination of beef and pork for a richer flavor.

– Breadcrumbs: Instead of using traditional breadcrumbs, try using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

– Milk: If you don’t have milk on hand or need to avoid dairy products, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or even water instead.

– Worcestershire Sauce: This classic meatloaf ingredient adds depth and umami flavor to the dish, but if you don’t have any on hand or prefer to leave it out, you can try using soy sauce, oyster sauce, or steak sauce instead.

– Sugar: A bit of brown sugar is added to this recipe to balance out the acidity of the ketchup. If you prefer your meatloaf less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or leave it out entirely.

– Onion: While white onion is used here, you could also try using yellow onion or shallots for a milder flavor. And if chopping onions gives you trouble, you could use frozen diced onions in a pinch.

Remember that these substitutions and variations may change the overall taste and texture of the meatloaf compared to the classic Mom’s Meatloaf recipe. But hey – experimenting with flavors and making it your own is part of the fun!

Serving and Pairing

While my mom’s meatloaf recipe is delicious on its own, serving it with a side or two really brings out its flavors. My personal favorite pairing is to serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed green beans, but feel free to get creative with your sides!

The soft texture of the meatloaf goes perfectly with the silky texture of the mashed potatoes. Plus, the savory flavor of the meatloaf complements the creaminess of the potatoes.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, try pairing the meatloaf with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness of the salad will complement the richness of the meatloaf nicely.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving your meatloaf “a la mode” like they do at Hello Fresh or 50’s Prime Time Cafe! Slice up your leftover meatloaf and place it in between two slices of bread for a fun twist on a classic sandwich.

As for drinks, I recommend serving this dish with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. However, if you prefer beer, a rich ale or lager would work well too.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Once you have mastered the art of cooking Mom’s Meatloaf, you will want to know how to store and reheat it. You can make this timeless classic ahead of time, which is perfect for busy weekdays or for hosting friends and family.

To store your meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to three days. As a tip, I would suggest placing the meatloaf on a plate instead of directly on a shelf in your fridge, as it will prevent any juices from dripping onto other foods.

When reheating your meatloaf, there are two options; using a microwave or an oven. To microwave, slice the meatloaf into portions and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until warm all the way through.

To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the cold meatloaf into 1/2-inch-thick slices and lay them out on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil that has been sprayed with non-stick spray, and cook for around 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

One thing to keep in mind is that reheated meatloaf may taste slightly drier than freshly cooked ones. If you find that your reheated meatloaf has dried up a bit too much, try drizzling some ketchup over it before reheating it again.

With these tips, storing and reheating Mom’s Meatloaf should be easy peasy!

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to making meatloaf, there are a few tips and tricks that can help elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure that your Mom’s Meatloaf recipe comes out perfectly every time.

Firstly, make sure to use lean ground beef as instructed in the recipe. This will prevent the meatloaf from becoming too greasy and will help it hold its shape better while cooking.

Next, be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly but not overwork the meat mixture. Overworking can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf. I would recommend using your hands as they’re best suited for this task.

It’s also important to let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows for the juices to redistribute, creating a juicy and tender result.

As for the oven temperature, stick to preheating it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or at 180 degrees Celsius, as this is the ideal temperature for cooking meatloaf.

One thing worth noting is that you can add some additional flavor by brushing the meatloaf with a mix of ketchup and brown sugar about ten minutes before taking it out of the oven. It will add a sweet tangy flavor that compliments the dish well.

Lastly, be sure to serve your Mom’s Meatloaf hot out of the oven with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes and green beans are a classic option that goes well with this dish.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a succulent and flavorful meatloaf that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

As a culinary explorer, it’s important to answer the most frequently asked questions about the recipe to ensure that you’re on the right track. Below are some of the common inquiries about Mom’s Meatloaf recipe that I’ve encountered and tips on how to make it perfect.

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

One of the most critical aspects of cooking meat is to ensure that it remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process. Therefore, it is vital not to overlook the importance of adding moisture at every step of the way. One can achieve this by incorporating a variety of wet seasonings, such as eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, barbecue sauce or a combination of these flavorful ingredients. These wet ingredients don’t just enhance the taste and texture of the meat, but they also help keep it super juicy and moist.

How to make a Paula Deen’s meatloaf?

Let’s start off by preheating the oven to a toasty and perfect 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, grab a big bowl and toss in some ground beef, salt, pepper, onion, bell pepper, egg, tomatoes, and oats. Mix that delicious meatloaf combination until everything is evenly distributed and ready for the oven.

But wait, we can’t forget about the meatloaf’s star-studded topping. This heavenly mix is comprised of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard combined to create a mouthwatering sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Now that we have our meatloaf mixture and topping ready, it’s time to bake. Pop that beauty in the oven and let it cook for a solid hour. Remember to set a timer, so you don’t have to baby-sit it the whole time. Once that hour is up, you’ll have a perfectly cooked meatloaf ready to be devoured.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

There’s a common problem with meatloaf falling apart while cooking, and it’s usually due to insufficient binding agents. This means that it’s necessary to have ingredients, such as eggs and breadcrumbs, that create a cohesive mix and ultimately keep the meatloaf together. Without these agents, the meat mixture will just crumble and come apart.

How to cook moms meatloaf from festival foods?

This dish includes ingredients such as egg, milk, and wheat. Make sure to keep it refrigerated at or below 41F to prevent spoilage. To prepare, preheat your oven to 350F and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 160F.

Bottom Line

To sum up, Mom’s Meatloaf Recipe is the ultimate meatloaf recipe that everyone should try. It is easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available in most households. With a combination of ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and brown sugar, this classic meatloaf is a real crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy traditional American fare and would like to experience that ‘home-cooked’ feel. The meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans or your favorite vegetables.

In conclusion, Mom’s Meatloaf Recipe is one of the best meatloaf recipes that you will ever find, and I am confident that it will become a household favorite in no time. Don’t hesitate to try it out and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

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