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Best Meatloaf

Best Meatloaf Recipe - Juicy Comfort Food for Everyone

Discover the Best Meatloaf, a classic comfort food that is juicy and adaptable for any family meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground beef 80% to 85% lean for juicy texture
  • 2 tablespoons Butter For sautéing veggies; can substitute with olive oil
  • 2 cups Cremini mushrooms Finely chopped to add moisture
  • 1 cup Onion Finely chopped for sweetness
  • 1 large Shallot Finely chopped to enhance complexity
  • 1/2 cup Red bell pepper Finely chopped for sweetness and color
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced for savory aroma
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Optional for a hint of spice
  • 1/2 cup Saltine crackers Finely crushed for binding
  • 1/4 cup Milk For moisture in the meat mixture
  • 1 large Egg For binding
  • 1 large Egg yolk For binding
For the Glaze
  • 1 teaspoon Whole-grain mustard For added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Ketchup For flavor
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup For glaze
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce For depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Maple syrup To balance sweetness in the glaze

Equipment

  • Medium skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté 2 cups of finely chopped cremini mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they release moisture. Add 1 cup of finely chopped onion and 1 large finely chopped shallot, cooking until softened, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Next, stir in 1/2 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of optional Cajun seasoning. Cook together for an additional 5 minutes before allowing the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled vegetable mixture with 1 pound of ground beef. Add in 1/2 cup of finely crushed saltine crackers, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of whole-grain mustard, 1 teaspoon of ketchup, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well blended but avoid overmixing.
  3. Prepare the Glaze: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of whole-grain mustard, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  4. Form the Loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf approximately 9x5 inches and place it on a prepared baking sheet. Spread the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This best meatloaf recipe is versatile and can be adapted based on personal taste preferences.

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