Delicious Ranch Meatloaf Recipe: A Comforting Favorite
In the realm of comfort food, meatloaf may be the king of them all. There’s just something about the savory deliciousness of this classic dish that makes it a staple in many households. But have you ever tried adding a little bit of ranch into the mix? Trust me, once you’ve had Ranch Meatloaf, there’s no going back.
This Ranch Meatloaf recipe is an easy and affordable twist on the traditional version, bringing together ground beef, herb stuffing mix, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix to create a flavor-packed dish. With minimal prep time and only a handful of ingredients required, this is a recipe that will leave both you and your wallet feeling satisfied.
So if you’re looking to switch up your go-to meatloaf recipe, keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to make this deliciously tender and flavorful version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your guests or family? Look no further than this ranch meatloaf recipe! I cannot stress enough how much you will love it.
The secret ingredient in this recipe is the ranch seasoning mix, which adds a delightful flavor to the meatloaf. The Hidden Valley Original Ranch seasoning mix is perfect – not too salty or overpowering – and creates a savory taste that everyone will love.
Additionally, this recipe uses ground beef, bread crumbs, and egg as the base ingredients. As you mix them together with ranch seasoning and herb stuffing mix, you’ll notice how moist and tender the meatloaf becomes. The herbs and spices beautifully complement each other, creating an irresistible flavor that you’ll want to savor.
Unlike other meatloaf recipes that call for ketchup on top of the meatloaf, this one features a ranch dressing topping instead. This little twist may sound strange at first, but trust me; it’s surprisingly delicious! I recommend trying it out once just to see how amazing it tastes.
And of course, let’s not forget about the ease of preparation either! All it takes is mixing all the ingredients in a large bowl – be sure not to overwork the mixture to avoid excessive handling – placing the mixture in a loaf pan, and baking it in the oven. It’s a simple process that anyone can master with little effort.
In conclusion, whether you’re making this ranch meatloaf for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I promise you that it will become your go-to recipe. To sum up, if you’re looking for an incredibly flavorful yet easy-to-prepare meal that everyone will enjoy, then try putting together our ranch meatloaf recipe today! You won’t regret giving this recipe a shot.
Ingredient List
Here is everything you will need to make this Ranch Meatloaf Recipe:
Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs of ground beef
- 1 package of herb stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup of ketchup
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix
Bread Crumbs:
- 2 slices of bread, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of chopped zucchini
- 1 teaspoon of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before starting the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix 1 lb of ground beef and ¼ cup of ketchup until well combined. Then add ⅔ cup of herb stuffing mix, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix shaker, and ½ cup of bread crumbs. Slowly stir in ½ cup of milk, and set this mixture aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Soak Bread and Chop Vegetables
Take 2 slices of white or whole wheat bread, remove the crusts, and soak them in water or milk for about a minute. Squeeze out any excess liquid and then crumble the bread into small pieces into the mixing bowl with the ground beef mixture.
Next, chop 2 medium onions into small pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they become translucent but not browned.
Step 3: Add Vegetables to the Beef Mixture
Put the softened onions and any remaining oil from the skillet into the mixing bowl with the beef mixture, along with â…“ cup of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix. Then add any additional vegetables or seasonings that you’d like to incorporate. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon, but avoid excessive handling to keep your meatloaf moist.
Step 4: Prepare Meatloaf Pan
Using nonstick cooking spray, lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with baking parchment.
Step 5: Make Easy Ranch Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing & Seasoning Mix, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to make an easy ranch topping.
Step 6: Form Meatloaf and Add Topping
Press your meatloaf mixture into your prepared pan. Spread the ranch topping on top of the meatloaf instead of ketchup. This will give your meatloaf a unique flavor twist that is sure to impress!
Step 7: Bake in Oven
Place meatloaf in preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-75 minutes, until cooked through. Cut into slices and serve warm.
Enjoy your flavorful Ranch Meatloaf!
Substitutions and Variations
Life is all about variety, and that’s certainly true with cooking. If you want to switch things up or maybe you’re just missing a few ingredients in the original recipe, don’t worry, you have plenty of substitution options for this delicious ranch meatloaf recipe.
One ingredient that can easily be swapped out is the ground beef. You can use ground turkey instead, which will result in a healthier and leaner meatloaf. You can also opt for chicken, pork or even lamb depending on your preference.
If bread crumbs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options to try as well. Crushed crackers, corn flakes or even finely chopped nuts can all be used in place of the bread crumbs.
For those following a keto diet, replace the bread crumbs with almond flour or coconut flour. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to cut down on fat and calories.
If you’re looking to add some veggies to your meatloaf for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition, try adding finely chopped zucchini to the mix. Not only will it help keep the meatloaf moist but it will also add an extra hint of freshness to the dish.
Finally, if you want to spice things up a bit, try adding some BBQ sauce instead of ketchup or topping your meatloaf with some crispy bacon bits. For a tangier flavor, mix in some white vinegar with your ranch dressing seasoning mix.
Remember that these are just some suggestions – feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the Ranch Meatloaf, I find that simplicity is key. This savory dish pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. I also recommend a side salad with ranch dressing to complement the meatloaf’s flavors.
For serving, I slice the meatloaf into thick portions and place them on a platter. To take the dish up a notch, I like to add some extra ranch dressing on top of each slice for an extra pop of flavor. What I put on top of the meatloaf instead of ketchup is white vinegar mixed with sugar and oil in equal parts for a tangy twist.
A tender meatloaf dish can deliver a myriad of dining options, from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions. One thing that you could try out is these delicious recipes. For a BBQ ranch twist, try homemade BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf before baking. This way, you get a combination of flavors that can make your mouth water even just thinking about it! Ranch Dressing Meatloaf, as you would imagine entails adding more ranch dressing into the ground beef and other seasonings to give it an even more intense ranch flavor.
Overall, this recipe is quite versatile and can pair well with many dishes and make for easy leftovers. It’s perfect for meal prepping any time throughout the week. Sit back, relax, and enjoy every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait”, and this is certainly true when it comes to meatloaf. Preparing it in advance not only allows flavors to meld but also makes it easier to handle when slicing into pieces.
To make ahead, cover the unbaked meatloaf tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight cover, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, uncover and allow the meatloaf to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
Once cooked, let the meatloaf cool for about an hour before storing any leftover portions. Refrigerate the sliced meatloaf in an airtight container where it can last up to 3-4 days.
When reheating leftover meatloaf, many people put a slice on bread and toast it as a sandwich. Alternatively, cut the desired portion size of meatloaf, place it in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed thoroughly. To retain its moist texture, add a small amount of water or broth before reheating.
Mealtime should be enjoyable and not cause additional stress, so don’t be afraid to make-ahead meatloaf specifically for busy weeknights or packed lunches. By doing so, you’ll have less preparation time in the long run while still savoring delicious homemade flavor with every bite.
Tips for Perfect Results
Let me give you some tips to help you make the perfect Ranch Meatloaf.
Firstly, to ensure that your meatloaf has a tender texture, avoid excessive handling of it. Overworking the mixture can cause the meat to become tough and dry. Instead, mix the ingredients together in a large bowl until just combined.
Secondly, soak bread crumbs in milk or water before adding them to the mixture. This will keep your meatloaf moist and prevent it from becoming too dense.
If you’re looking for an alternative to using ketchup on top of your meatloaf, try mixing some ranch dressing seasoning with white vinegar for a tangy topping.
For those following a diet that restricts red meat, try making this recipe with ground turkey or chicken instead. It will still be delicious and flavorful.
Lastly, for an extra twist to this classic recipe, consider adding some zucchini or bacon bits into the mix. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your meatloaf.
Remember these tips the next time you make Ranch Meatloaf and you are sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal.
FAQ
Before concluding this article, I want to address some of the frequently asked questions related to making Ranch Meatloaf Recipe. These questions cover everything from ingredient substitutions to cooking and storing methods that will assist you in achieving the perfect meatloaf. So sit tight, and let’s unravel some concerns together in this FAQ section!
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
When it comes to making meatloaf, one of the most frustrating things that can happen is when it falls apart during cooking or slicing. This is often caused by a lack of binding agents in the mixture, such as eggs and breadcrumbs. These ingredients are crucial as they help keep the meatloaf together, ensuring it doesn’t crumble apart as it cooks.
What is the secret to tender meatloaf?
If you want to create a delicious and juicy meatloaf, always opt for high-fat meat. Using leaner meats can result in a dry and less flavorful end product. For an all-beef meatloaf, it is recommended to use a meat cut with at least 15 percent fat. On the other hand, if you choose to prepare a turkey or lean beef meatloaf, it is advisable to mix in some ground pork and/or veal to keep the dish tender and moist. Mixing in some high-fat meat can make a significant difference in the texture and taste of your meatloaf.
What can I put on top of meatloaf instead of ketchup?
Looking for an alternative to ketchup to add on top of your meatloaf? A fantastic option is to create a tomato paste and white vinegar blend mixed with some seasonings, as it provides a delicious flavor and perfect consistency for a meatloaf glaze. This combination results in an ideal topping that will definitely elevate your meatloaf to the next level.
Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
When preparing meatloaf, it’s common to add milk to the recipe since it helps saturate the bread crumbs and provides the necessary moisture for the dish. However, if you prefer not to use milk for any reason, there are alternative options such as low sodium beef stock, chicken stock, water, or even non-dairy milk substitutes that you could try out.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this ranch meatloaf recipe is a classic dish that never goes out of style. With its savory flavor and juicy texture, it is the ultimate comfort food that is easy to whip up any day of the week. By using Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix and bread crumbs in this recipe, you can make a delicious and tender meatloaf that your family will love. And not just that, this meatloaf makes a great option for meal prep, potlucks or dinner parties.
So why not give this easy ranch meatloaf a try for your next weeknight dinner? Trust me; you won’t regret it! And don’t forget to share in the comments how it turned out and if any variations worked better for you. Happy cooking!
Ranch Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup herb stuffing mix
- 1/2 ounce ranch dressing mix, mix for dips
- 1 (6 ounce) package fried onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix ground beef, eggs, herb stuffing mix, ranch seasoning and fried onions.
- Shape into loaf shape and place into a 9 x 5 inch pan.
- Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 - 60 minutes or until meat is thoroughly cooked. If desired, brush with ketchup for the last 10 minutes of cooking, uncovered.
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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.