Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Recipe for Family Dinners

Meatloaf by joanna gaines transforms mundane weeknight dinners into pure comfort on a plate.

This rustic classic bursts with homestyle flavors that whisper warmth and nostalgia.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of savory satisfaction that feels like a culinary hug.

Ground meat blends seamlessly with carefully chosen seasonings, promising a meal that’s both familiar and exciting.

Every slice tells a story of home-cooked goodness, inviting family and friends to gather around the table.

The magic lies in its unpretentious charm and soul-warming essence.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through comfort food perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Up Meatloaf the Joanna Gaines Way

• Pair with Savory Sides: Complement the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded dinner experience.
• Create Family-Style Presentation: Slice the meatloaf on a large platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and place colorful side dishes around it to make the meal visually appealing and inviting.
• Elevate Leftover Potential: Transform remaining meatloaf into delicious sandwiches by layering thin slices on crusty bread with a dollop of mustard or mayonnaise for a quick and tasty lunch option.
• Make Meal Prep Friendly: Cool the meatloaf completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing for easy reheating and convenient meal planning.

Meal Prep & Storage for Joanna’s Meatloaf

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which intensifies flavor and saves cooking time.
• Portion and Freeze: Wrap individual meatloaf slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated meatloaf slices in oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of beef broth for extra juiciness.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining meatloaf into delicious sandwiches, crumble into pasta sauces, or create hearty meatloaf hash for quick next-day meals. Refrigerated leftovers stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Meatloaf Ingredients from Joanna Gaines

• Ground Beef: Choose lean meat with some fat for juicy texture; look for fresh, bright red color without discoloration.
• Fresh Parsley: Select vibrant green leaves without wilting; organic options offer more intense flavor.

• Eggs: Pick large, fresh eggs with intact shells; room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Milk: Whole milk provides richer flavor; use fresh, unexpired dairy.
• Breadcrumbs: Select plain or seasoned varieties; homemade breadcrumbs offer superior texture.

• Onions: Pick firm, smooth onions without soft spots; yellow onions work best for classic taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Choose high-quality dried herb blend; check for freshness by checking aroma.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for better flavor distribution.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more robust taste compared to pre-ground versions.

• Ketchup: Select tomato-based sauce with balanced sweetness.
• Chili Sauce: Look for tangy, slightly spicy options.
• Brown Sugar: Choose dark or light based on preferred intensity; ensure no hardened clumps.

Joanna’s Tools for Classic Meatloaf

• Baking Tray: Rimmed tray for even cooking and easy handling.
• Aluminum Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Small Pan: Perfect for sautéing onions to golden perfection.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Spacious bowl for combining wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs smoothly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping fresh parsley with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Helps dice onions and chop herbs quickly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
• Cooking Spray: Provides a non-stick surface for easy food release.
• Meat Thermometer: Checks internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Broiler (Optional): Creates a deliciously caramelized top.
• Serving Platter: Presents your meatloaf with style.

Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Cooking Instructions

• Kickstart the Oven

Set your oven to toasty 350°F and line a baking tray with foil. Give it a quick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Soften Onion Magic

Gently cook diced onions in butter until they turn silky and translucent. Let them cool down completely before joining the party.

• Create Flavor Foundation

Whisk eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture hang out for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up all the goodness.

• Blend Meaty Goodness

Toss ground beef, cooled onions, ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper into the wet mixture. Fold everything together gently – no muscle work needed.

• Shape and Initial Roast

Form the meat into a lovely loaf on the prepared tray. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes until it starts to look delicious.

• Whip Up Tangy Glaze

While the meatloaf bakes, mix chili sauce, ketchup, and a sprinkle of brown sugar for an extra flavor punch.

• Final Flavor Blast

Spread the glaze over the meatloaf and continue baking. For a killer caramelized top, give it a quick broil at the end. Make sure the internal temperature hits 160°F.

• Rest and Serve Up Comfort

Let the meatloaf chill for 10 minutes. This helps lock in all those amazing juices. Slice and serve up a hearty meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Flavor Boosting Tips for Joanna’s Meatloaf

• Boost Your Meatloaf: Pro Tips & Twists
• Customize Your Meat Mix: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a blend for different flavor profiles and nutritional variety. Each meat brings unique textures and taste experiences.
• Sneak in Extra Nutrients: Grate carrots, zucchini, or finely chopped spinach into the meat mixture to increase vegetable intake without compromising taste. Kids and picky eaters won't even notice the hidden goodness.
• Perfect Glaze Variations: Experiment with alternative glazes like Dijon mustard and honey, barbecue sauce, or worcestershire-based mixtures. These creative combinations can transform the classic meatloaf into a gourmet experience.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire meatloaf up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This technique allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner prep incredibly convenient.

Hearty Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines meatloaf emerges as a comforting classic with rich flavors from Texas. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a memorable dinner centerpiece that satisfies family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) lean ground beef
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• ¾ cup (90 g) Italian bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (120 ml) chili sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsps (30 g) brown sugar, optional
• 2 tbsps (8 g) chopped fresh parsley or 2 tsps (2 g) dried parsley
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ketchup or chili sauce
• 1 tsp (5 ml) butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt, more to taste
• ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a rimmed baking tray with foil, lightly spraying with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions in butter until translucent, then cool completely, creating a flavor base that will enhance the meat’s richness.
3. Moisture Integration: Combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, allowing the mixture to rest and develop a cohesive texture that will keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
4. Meat Composition: Gently fold ground beef with cooled onions, ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper, ensuring minimal handling to maintain a delicate meat structure.
5. Loaf Formation: Shape the meat mixture into a uniform 8 x 4 inch loaf on the prepared tray, creating an even profile for consistent cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
6. Initial Roasting: Bake for 40 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and develop a rich, deep flavor profile.
7. Glaze Crafting: Whisk chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar into a glossy, sweet-tangy coating that will caramelize and intensify the meatloaf’s overall taste.
8. Glazing and Finishing: Brush the prepared glaze over the meatloaf, returning to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 70°C / 160°F, ensuring perfect doneness.
9. Resting and Serving: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing juices to redistribute and creating a more succulent dining experience.

Notes

• Gentle Mixing Technique: Blend meat ingredients delicately to prevent dense, tough texture, using light hand movements to maintain tenderness.
• Precise Temperature Control: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 70°C / 160°F for safe, perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Resting Phase Importance: Allow meatloaf to rest 10 minutes after baking, enabling meat juices to redistribute and ensuring moist, flavorful slices.
• Glaze Application Tip: Spread glaze evenly during final baking stage, creating caramelized exterior without burning or creating bitter taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg