A Classic Comfort Food: The Ultimate Beef Loaf Recipe
Beef loaf is a hearty and satisfying dish that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort. This versatile recipe is a great way to use up ground beef while creating a flavorful and budget-friendly meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the steps to making a delicious beef loaf that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with different vegetables, seasonings, and toppings.
- Budget-Friendly: A great way to use up ground beef and stretch your meal budget.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Perfect for meal prep! Bake it ahead of time and reheat for easy weeknight dinners.
- Comfort Food Classic: The classic combination of ground beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings is undeniably comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup1 ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand for 5 minutes to soften the breadcrumbs.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and garlic, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape and Glaze: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape into an even loaf. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender meatloaf. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Saturated Fat | 8-10g |
| Cholesterol | 100-120mg |
| Sodium | 500-600mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do you keep meatloaf moist? Adding milk or breadcrumbs to the mixture helps keep the meatloaf moist. You can also add a small amount of chopped vegetables like onions or carrots.
- Can I freeze meatloaf? Yes, you can freeze both cooked and uncooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.
- What can I add to my meatloaf for extra flavor? Experiment with different seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even a touch of hot sauce. You can also add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- How do I know when my meatloaf is done? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C).
- What are some good side dishes for meatloaf? Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, green beans, and a simple salad are all classic and delicious sides for meatloaf.
With this recipe and these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying meatloaf that your family will love. Enjoy!