Description
Classic old-fashioned skillet meatloaf blends hearty beef with comforting home-style ingredients. Family dinners become memorable with this simple, satisfying midwestern dish that brings comfort straight to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453 g) ground beef (85/15 for best flavor)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Milk Soak: Immerse breadcrumbs in milk for one minute to enhance moisture and tenderness of the meat mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika with soaked breadcrumbs, gently folding to maintain a light texture without compressing the meat.
- Shape Patty: Craft an oval-shaped patty approximately one-inch thick, perfectly sized for a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet.
- Sear Meatloaf: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat, then carefully place the meat patty, developing a golden-brown crust by cooking 5-6 minutes per side.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard into a vibrant, caramelizing coating.
- Glaze and Simmer: Brush prepared glaze evenly over browned meatloaf, reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, allow meatloaf to rest 5 minutes for juice redistribution, then slice and plate with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttered corn.
Notes
- Prevent Dense Meat: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture to maintain a light, tender texture.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
- Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning the exterior.
- Customize Glaze Options: Experiment with alternative glaze ingredients like honey, sriracha, or BBQ sauce for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg