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To make a tasty stove top meatloaf, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon) - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a juicy and flavorful meatloaf. The ground beef provides protein and a rich taste. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist. You can change the flavor and texture of your meatloaf with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup grated cheese - 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon hot sauce - 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms Adding these items can give your meatloaf a fun twist. Cheese adds creaminess, while peppers and mushrooms boost flavor and nutrients. To make cooking easier, use these tools: - Large mixing bowl - Skillet with a lid - Measuring cups and spoons - Spatula or wooden spoon - Meat thermometer These tools help you mix the ingredients well and cook the meatloaf evenly. A meat thermometer checks that your meatloaf is safely cooked. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon) - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and onion. Add the garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix everything well. Use your hands to blend the mixture until it holds together. This step is very important for the meatloaf to form well when cooking. Shape the mixture into a loaf. Make it smooth and even. Set it aside while you heat the skillet. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan. This helps to stop the meatloaf from sticking. Carefully place the meatloaf in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook the meatloaf for about 30 to 35 minutes. Turn the meatloaf every 10 minutes. This keeps it cooking evenly. After about 20 minutes, spread ketchup over the top. This adds a nice glaze and flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C). Once it’s ready, remove the meatloaf from the pan. Let it rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle inside. - Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion enhance flavor. - Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much makes the meatloaf tough. - Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer for best results. - Rest Before Slicing: Letting it rest keeps the meatloaf juicy. These tips will help you make a delicious and tender meatloaf every time. Enjoy the process and savor each bite! When making meatloaf, avoid over-mixing the meat. This can make it tough. Use just enough force to combine the ingredients. Also, don't skip the resting time. Letting the meatloaf sit helps it stay juicy. Lastly, make sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe eating. Always use a non-stick skillet or add oil to prevent sticking. Keep the heat on medium to cook evenly. Covering the skillet helps trap steam and keeps the meatloaf moist. Turn the meatloaf gently to avoid breaking it apart. This way, you'll have a nicely shaped loaf. To boost the flavor, try adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aroma. Mixing in some grated cheese gives a nice creaminess. You can also top the meatloaf with BBQ sauce for a sweet twist. Each of these adds a unique taste that makes your meatloaf stand out. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content, which can help prevent a greasy meatloaf. Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or carrots for added moisture and flavor. Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can make this meatloaf healthier by swapping some ingredients. Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey or chicken. These options are leaner and lower in fat. You can also replace breadcrumbs with oats or crushed whole-grain crackers. Both add texture and fiber. For milk, try almond milk or low-fat milk. This change keeps the meatloaf moist while cutting calories. Add fun flavors to your meatloaf to keep things exciting. For a BBQ twist, mix in your favorite BBQ sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce. This gives a sweet and tangy taste. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the mix. You could even try adding herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh touch. Pair your meatloaf with tasty sides for a complete meal. Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies go well with it. You can also serve a fresh salad on the side for crunch. For condiments, ketchup is a classic choice, but try mustard or a spicy aioli for a twist. A dollop of sour cream can also add creaminess and flavor. To store leftover meatloaf, let it cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you're ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Slice the meatloaf and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot. For long-term storage, meatloaf freezes well. Cut it into slices before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can also use a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Meatloaf can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make this meatloaf ahead of time. Prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, just take it out and follow the cooking steps. If you want, you can also freeze it for later. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. To check if the meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the center of the loaf. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the meatloaf. The inside should be brown and no longer pink. Juices should run clear, not red or pink. Yes, you can cook meatloaf without breadcrumbs. Use oats, crushed crackers, or even cooked rice instead. These options can help bind the meatloaf while adding a unique flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. The key is to keep the right balance of moisture and texture. You learned about the key ingredients, steps, and tips for perfect meatloaf. I shared ways to avoid mistakes, enhance flavor, and customize your dish. You can even store leftovers for later. Remember, cooking is fun and often requires some trial and error. The next time you make meatloaf, use these tips for a great meal. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Savory Comfort Meatloaf

A hearty and flavorful meatloaf that brings comfort to your table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 cup ketchup (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf form and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
  • Carefully place the meatloaf in the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  • After about 20 minutes, spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a delicious glaze.
  • Continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Once cooked, transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for better texture.
Keyword beef, comfort food, meatloaf