Simple Meatloaf Recipe: Joy Of Cooking’s Hearty Classic

Classic meatloaf emerges as a culinary symphony of comfort and nostalgia, transforming everyday ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Family kitchens across America have cherished this humble yet magnificent dish for generations.

Succulent ground meats dance with carefully selected herbs and spices, creating a flavor profile that whispers of home and warmth.

Tender and juicy, this timeless recipe bridges the gap between simple sustenance and gourmet delight.

Seasoned cooks understand that meatloaf isn’t just a meal – it’s an edible memory that connects generations through its rich, savory essence.

Crafted with love and tradition, this dish promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to master a recipe that celebrates the heart of home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 4

Meatloaf Ingredients to Have Ready

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Select fresh, high-quality meat with balanced fat content for rich flavor and juicy texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs or panko for optimal moisture retention and light consistency.

• Eggs: Pick fresh, room-temperature eggs to help ingredients bind smoothly and maintain structural integrity.
• Chopped Onions: Use sweet or yellow onions for balanced aromatic depth and natural sweetness.
• Minced Garlic: Select fresh garlic cloves for robust, authentic flavor profile.

• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning and enhanced meat flavor.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides more intense and vibrant taste compared to pre-ground varieties.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with dried thyme, parsley, or oregano to elevate overall taste complexity.

Tools for Prepping and Baking Meatloaf

• Oven: Standard home oven for baking the meatloaf at consistent temperature.
• 9: Essential for shaping and containing the meatloaf during cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining and blending ingredients thoroughly.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial tool to check internal meat temperature for safe cooking.
• Baking Sheet: Larger pan to catch potential drips and make cleanup easier.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measuring of ingredients for consistent results.
• Knife: For chopping onions, mincing garlic, and slicing the finished meatloaf.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: To gently blend ingredients without overmixing.

How to Make a Juicy Homemade Meatloaf

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F, setting the stage for a hearty meal that’ll make mouths water.

• Prep the Cooking Vessel

Grab a standard loaf pan and give it a quick spray or light butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

• Create the Flavor Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, tenderly combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, whisking in eggs, finely chopped onions, and garlic. Sprinkle in a symphony of seasonings that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Craft the Meaty Masterpiece

Gently fold ingredients together, treating the mixture like a delicate work of art. Mix just enough to marry the flavors without overworking the meat.

• Shape and Position

Lovingly mold the mixture into a gorgeous loaf, nestling it into the prepared pan. Pro tip: place the pan on a larger baking sheet to catch any wandering juices.

• Bake to Delicious Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let magic happen for 60-75 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it hits the sweet spot of 160°F, ensuring a safe and scrumptious meal.

• Rest and Serve

After pulling it from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes. This crucial pause allows juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each slice is moist and packed with flavor. Slice, plate, and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Moisture and Flavor in Meatloaf

Swap ground meats like turkey or lamb for different flavor profiles and nutrition.

Add grated vegetables such as zucchini or carrots to keep the meatloaf incredibly juicy and packed with hidden nutrients.

Replace traditional breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or rolled oats for those with dietary restrictions.

Experiment with unique seasoning combinations like smoked paprika, fresh thyme, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to elevate the classic meatloaf taste.

Serving Ideas for Sliced Meatloaf

• Pair with Comfort Sides: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery corn for a classic, hearty meal that warms the soul.
• Craft a Flavorful Topping: Drizzle homemade gravy, tangy ketchup, or a zesty barbecue sauce over each slice to enhance the meatloaf's rich, savory taste.
• Create Leftover Magic: Transform remaining slices into delicious sandwiches by adding fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and mustard between soft bread slices for a next-day lunch treat.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top to add a bright, fresh pop of color and extra layer of flavor to your meatloaf.

How to Store and Freeze Meatloaf Portions

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover meatloaf in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and safety.
• Refrigeration Tactics: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or place in sealed containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze meatloaf slices or whole loaf in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months, preventing freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated meatloaf in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep the meat moist and prevent drying out.

Hearty Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty homemade meatloaf delivers classic comfort from American kitchens with simple ingredients and robust flavors. Savory meat mixture bakes to golden perfection, inviting you to enjoy a nostalgic meal that connects generations through delicious tradition.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) ground beef chuck
• 12 oz (340 g) ground beef round
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) onions (finely chopped)
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground thyme
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously coat a 9-inch loaf pan with grease to prevent adherence.
2. Mixing: In a capacious bowl, amalgamate all ingredients using gentle hand motions, ensuring thorough yet delicate incorporation without compressing the protein mixture.
3. Shaping: Craft a symmetrical loaf with uniform dimensions, positioning it centrally within the greased receptacle and placing the pan atop a rimmed baking sheet to capture potential drippings.
4. Roasting: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the meatloaf to transform for 60-75 minutes until internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F (71°C), verifying doneness with a meat thermometer.
5. Resting: Extract from oven, permit excess fat to drain completely, then let the meatloaf recuperate for 15 minutes to facilitate juice redistribution and optimal slicing consistency.
6. Serving: Carve into substantial portions and present alongside complementary side dishes or preferred condiments.

Notes

• Prevent Toughness: Mix ingredients gently and avoid compacting meat to maintain a tender, soft texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 160°F internal temperature for safe and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
• Resting Is Crucial: Let the meatloaf rest 15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful slices.
• Mess Management: Place the loaf pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drippings and simplify post-cooking cleanup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 675 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg