Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *delicious savory meatloaf*! This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it’s become my go-to comfort food. It’s super easy to prepare—honestly, if I can whip this up on a busy weeknight, you can too! The blend of flavors is just magical; I mean, who doesn’t love the comforting aroma of meatloaf wafting through the kitchen? Plus, it’s so versatile! You can add in your favorite veggies or even switch up the seasonings. My favorite part? It’s satisfying and hearty without being heavy. Trust me, once you make this meatloaf, it’ll be part of your regular rotation!
Ingredients for Delicious Savory Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef (I prefer lean for a healthier twist!)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (these help hold everything together—feel free to use whole wheat for added fiber)
- 1/4 cup milk (this keeps the meatloaf moist and tender)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for that sweet tangy goodness—trust me, it’s essential!)
- 1 small onion, chopped (adds a wonderful flavor; you can also use shallots for a sweeter touch)
- 1 egg (this acts as a binder, helping everything stick together nicely)
- 1 tsp salt (don’t skip this—it enhances all the flavors)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (for a little kick; adjust to your taste!)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (adds a depth of flavor that’s just divine)
How to Prepare Delicious Savory Meatloaf
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step because starting with a hot oven ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and develops that lovely crust on the outside. Trust me, that golden-brown exterior is where the magic happens!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients you’ve gathered. I usually start with the ground beef, then add the breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Now, here’s the key: mix everything together gently but thoroughly. I like to use my hands—yes, it gets a bit messy, but you’ll get the best results! Just be sure not to overmix, as this can make your meatloaf dense. You want it to be well combined but still tender!
Shape and Bake
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it into a loaf. Place the mixture onto a baking dish and mold it into a loaf shape—think of it like a big, delicious pillow! After that, if you’re feeling fancy, you can spread a little extra ketchup on top for a glossy finish. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer; you want the internal temperature to reach 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the juices run clear when you cut into it!
Rest and Slice
Once your meatloaf is out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is super important because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your meatloaf juicy and flavorful. After it’s rested, slice it up and serve! I love pairing mine with mashed potatoes and a side of veggies for a comforting meal. Enjoy every bite of this savory goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Full of flavor; every bite is packed with deliciousness!
- Healthy option with lean beef, making it a lighter choice.
- Great for leftovers; it tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your meatloaf turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning: A well-seasoned meatloaf is a delicious meatloaf! Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, and consider adding herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra flavor boost.
- Vegetable power: Want to sneak in some veggies? Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini can add moisture and nutrients. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from any watery veggies!
- Breadcrumb options: If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work beautifully as a substitute. They’ll give you that same binding effect!
- For a twist: Try adding some grated cheese into the mix or topping it with a slice of cheese during the last few minutes of baking. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness!
- Resting is key: As I mentioned, let it rest before slicing! This little step makes all the difference in keeping your meatloaf juicy. Patience pays off!
- Freezing for later: If you have leftovers, or want to make a double batch, cooked meatloaf freezes really well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. You’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
With these tips, I promise your meatloaf will be a hit at the dinner table every time! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional side of my delicious savory meatloaf! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re getting. Each slice of this hearty delight typically contains:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This meatloaf is not only satisfying but also provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for a filling dinner. Just remember, the exact nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients you choose, so feel free to adjust as you see fit! Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself right!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Absolutely! This delicious savory meatloaf freezes wonderfully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It’s like having a homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it!
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you find yourself out of breadcrumbs, don’t worry! You can easily use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute. Each option will add a slightly different texture, but they’ll all help bind the meatloaf together nicely.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have one on hand, just slice into the center; the juices should run clear, and the meat should be no longer pink. This way, you can be sure your meatloaf is cooked through and safe to eat!
For more information on cooking meatloaf, check out this Food Safety Guide.
For tips on ingredient substitutions, visit Cooking Light.
Print
Delicious Savory Meatloaf: 5 Simple Steps to Success!
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious savory meatloaf recipe that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread additional ketchup on top if desired.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
- This meatloaf can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: delicious savory meatloaf
