Classic Meatloaf Recipe: A Comforting American Staple

Can you imagine a meatloaf so tender and juicy that it melts in your mouth? A meatloaf that is not only hearty but also refined? Let me introduce you to our Classic Meatloaf Recipe, an American staple that will redefine your idea of comfort food.

Ingredients List

Our recipe uses a blend of unique ingredients that elevate the flavors and textures of this classic dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken stock, buttermilk, and unflavored gelatin
White sandwich bread
Button or cremini mushrooms
Anchovy fillets, Marmite, and soy sauce
Paprika and garlic
Onion, carrot, and celery
Unsalted butter
Freshly ground beef
Eggs and cheese (cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or Muenster)
Fresh parsley
Ketchup, light brown sugar, cider vinegar for the glaze

For a vegetarian alternative, replace the ground beef with a plant-based substitute.

Timing

The total time required for this recipe is about 1 hour and 50 minutes. The prep time is approximately 30 minutes, and the cooking time is 1 hour and 20 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average meatloaf recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make the most delicious meatloaf you’ve ever tasted:

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Combine chicken stock and buttermilk in a cup. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the top. Set aside. In a food processor, pulse mushrooms until finely chopped. Add anchovies, Marmite, soy sauce, paprika, and garlic; process into a paste. Add onion, carrot, and celery; pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
Step 2: Cook Vegetable Mixture

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable mixture, cook about 5 minutes until softened and liquid has evaporated. Stir in buttermilk mixture, simmer until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl with mushrooms and bread. Let cool 10 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add beef, eggs, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until combined. Microwave a small piece for 15 seconds to test seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Transfer mixture to a greased loaf pan. Cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate while preheating oven to 350°F.
Step 4: Bake

Invert loaf pan onto a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, leaving the pan on top of the loaf. Bake 30 minutes. Remove pan carefully, return meatloaf to oven, and bake until internal temp reaches 140°F, about 40 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes. Increase oven temp to 500°F.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve

For the glaze: Combine ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer 2 minutes until smooth. Brush glaze over meatloaf in thin layers, returning to oven between coats: bake 3 minutes, glaze, bake 3 minutes, glaze, finish with a final 4-minute bake until glossy and caramelized. Rest 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze, ketchup, or mustard.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Classic Meatloaf Recipe has approximately:

Calories: 390
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a healthier version, consider using lean ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add more vegetables to the mix, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to increase the fiber content.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this meatloaf with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Or, slice it and serve it on a sandwich with some lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a hearty lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making meatloaf:

Overmixing the meatloaf mixture, which can result in a dense loaf.
Not testing the seasoning before baking the entire loaf.
Skipping the resting period after baking, which can make the loaf crumble when sliced.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is the perfect comfort food that is both hearty and refined. Its unique blend of flavors and ultra-moist texture is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. So why not give it a try? I’d love to hear your feedback!

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