Homey & Flavorful Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe Everyone Loves

Meatloaf, the ultimate comfort cuisine, turns humble ground beef into a symphony of flavor that dances on your palate.

This classic dish whispers tales of home-cooked nostalgia and culinary creativity.

Families have long cherished the art of crafting a perfect meatloaf, blending robust spices with tender meat.

Each slice tells a story of love, tradition, and hearty nourishment.

Seasoned cooks understand the delicate balance of moisture and seasoning that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

The secret lies in the careful selection of herbs, meats, and binding agents that create a harmonious blend.

You’ll fall in love with this meatloaf recipe that promises to become a treasured favorite at your dinner table.

How to Store and Slice Leftovers Easily

• Preserve Flavor and Freshness: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire loaf in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Smart Portion Control: Slice and separate individual portions before storing, making it easy to grab a quick meal or lunch throughout the week without compromising the entire loaf's quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Julia Child’s Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Choose 80% lean for perfect moisture and flavor, avoiding extra-dry variations.
• Fresh Parsley: Select vibrant green leaves without wilting, ensuring maximum herb freshness.

• Eggs: Pick large, fresh eggs with intact shells for optimal binding power.
• Milk: Use whole milk for richer texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs: Select plain breadcrumbs for neutral background, avoiding seasoned versions.

• Onions: Select firm, heavy onions without soft spots for maximum sweetness.
• Italian Seasoning: Choose fresh, high-quality blend with visible herb fragments.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for balanced mineral taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more robust, complex flavor.
• Ketchup: Pick natural, thick consistency for better meatloaf coating.

• Chili Sauce: Select tangy, slightly spicy version for balanced sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Choose dark variety for deeper caramel undertones.

• Butter: Select unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Cooking Oil: Use neutral spray for seamless pan release.
• Aluminum Foil: Ensure heavy-duty grade for reliable pan lining.

Baking Tools for French-Style Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients with plenty of room to mix.
• Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions to golden perfection.
• Whisk: Great for blending eggs and milk smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helps get precise ingredient amounts.
• Baking pan: Lined with foil for easy cleanup and even cooking.
• Cooking spray: Prevents meat from sticking to the foil.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the glaze quickly.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps gently mix meat without overworking it.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot pans.
• Knife: Useful for chopping onions and parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Julia’s Step-by-Step for Tender Meatloaf

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with foil and lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Unlock Flavor Magic

Sauté chopped onions in butter until they turn soft and translucent. Let them cool completely to blend rich flavors into the meatloaf.

• Create the Meatloaf Masterpiece

In a large bowl, combine ground beef with cooled onions, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to keep the meat tender and juicy, ensuring ingredients are just combined.

• Shape and Initial Bake

Mold the meat mixture into a classic loaf shape in the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until it starts to develop a golden crust.

• Finish with Flavor Explosion

Whisk together chili sauce, ketchup, and a touch of brown sugar for a tangy glaze. Carefully spread the sauce over the partially cooked meatloaf and return to the oven for a final 10-minute bake to caramelize the top.

• Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and packed with flavor. Slice and serve to hungry guests who will be impressed by your culinary skills.

Tips to Avoid Dry or Overcooked Loaf

Unleash creativity with these exciting twists and tips!

Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of pork and beef for unique flavor profiles. Each meat brings its own delicious character to the dish.

Grate zucchini, carrots, or finely chopped spinach into the meat mixture to boost nutrition and moisture. Hidden veggies make the meatloaf more colorful and packed with extra goodness.

Fold in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or crumbled blue cheese for a melty, gooey surprise inside the meatloaf. Cheese adds richness and creates unexpected flavor bursts.

Experiment with different seasoning blends like smoky paprika, Cajun spice mix, or fresh herbs from your garden. Play with spices to create a signature meatloaf that reflects your personal taste.

What to Serve with Julia’s Meatloaf

• Pair with Comforting Sides: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or buttery corn to create a hearty family meal that warms everyone's heart.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf and add refreshing crunch.
• Elevate with Homemade Gravy: Drizzle warm, herb-infused gravy over each slice to enhance the meat's juiciness and provide an extra layer of delectable flavor that will make dinner feel extra special.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel that complements the meatloaf's robust taste and adds sophistication to your dining experience.

Hearty Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich french meatloaf from julia child delivers classic comfort with ground beef, herbs, and savory seasonings. Home cooks can craft this hearty dish that promises warm satisfaction at dinner tables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) chili sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ketchup or chili sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsps dried parsley)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
• 2 tbsps (30 g) brown sugar (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with aluminum foil and apply cooking spray for effortless release.
2. Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions in butter until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes. Set aside to cool, concentrating the aromatic essence.
3. Moisture Blend: Combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, allowing the mixture to meld and absorb moisture for 5-10 minutes, creating a cohesive binding agent.
4. Meatloaf Assembly: Gently fold ground beef into the breadcrumb mixture, incorporating sautéed onions, ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix delicately to preserve a tender, light texture without compressing the meat.
5. Shaping and Initial Roasting: Mold the meat mixture into a symmetrical loaf within the prepared pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, developing rich, deep flavors and ensuring thorough cooking.
6. Glaze Creation and Finishing: Whisk chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar into a vibrant glaze. Remove the partially cooked meatloaf, generously brush with the sauce, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize and intensify the flavor profile.
7. Resting and Serving: After removing from the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes. This critical pause enables internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing succulent, perfectly textured slices when served.

Notes

• Gentle Mixing Technique: Handle the meat mixture delicately to prevent tough, dense meatloaf by avoiding excessive compression or overmixing.
• Moisture Magic: Let breadcrumb mixture rest 5-10 minutes to absorb liquid, creating a tender, juicy interior that won’t crumble when sliced.
• Resting Rules: Allow meatloaf 10 minutes of rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring each slice remains succulent and perfectly textured.
• Glaze Game: Apply sauce in the final cooking stage to create a caramelized, sweet-tangy exterior that elevates the overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg