Juicy Homestyle Stovetop Meatloaf Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a mouthwatering stovetop meatloaf recipe brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen.

Tender, juicy ground beef mingles with savory herbs and spices in this classic dish.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients create such a satisfying meal in just one pan.

The stovetop method ensures a perfectly browned exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this quick and easy approach to a traditional favorite.

Crispy edges and rich, meaty flavors promise a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this comforting classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Classic Stovetop Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that forms the core of your comfort meal, choose lean cuts for balanced flavor and texture.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth, select fresh meat with minimal fat for optimal results.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatloaf together and creates tender texture, use plain or seasoned varieties.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and ensures a juicy meatloaf, whole milk works best for richness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure, select fresh room temperature eggs.

• Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, dice finely for even distribution.
• Garlic: Adds robust, warm undertones, fresh minced garlic provides most intense flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy umami complexity, use sparingly for balanced taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Contributes herbal notes, choose dried blend for consistent flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• Ketchup: Sweet-tangy base for glaze, select rich, thick variety.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness, opt for dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp, zesty kick to glaze, use smooth variety.

• Olive Oil: Enables perfect searing and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for best quality.

Cooking Tools For Classic Stovetop Meatloaf

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet with lid: Perfect for searing, cooking, and caramelizing the meatloaf on the stovetop.
• Spatula: Helps turn the meatloaf gently without breaking its shape.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Needed for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing the glaze ingredients.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160F.
• Sharp knife: Required for slicing the meatloaf after resting.

Steps To Make Classic Stovetop Meatloaf

• Create Meaty Magic

Grab ground beef and mix with chopped onions, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings in a large bowl. Blend ingredients gently, keeping the mixture loose and tender.

• Shape Your Masterpiece

Form the meat mixture into a rustic loaf shape, making sure it’s not too compact or dense.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium flame. Carefully place the meatloaf and cook each side until a gorgeous golden crust develops, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Whip Up Tangy Glaze

Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, stirring until smooth and glossy.

• Layer Glaze Goodness

Drizzle half the glaze over the meatloaf, coating the top with a delicious sweet-tangy layer.

• Slow and Low Cook

Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and let the meatloaf simmer for 20-25 minutes until it reaches perfect internal temperature.

• Caramelize the Finish

Remove lid, spread remaining glaze, and increase heat to create a slightly crispy, glossy exterior.

• Rest and Reveal

Allow meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve alongside your favorite comfort sides.

Flavor Ideas For Classic Stovetop Meatloaf

• Meatloaf Magic Techniques: Uncover the secrets to a perfect stovetop meatloaf that'll wow your family and friends.
• Meat Mix Mastery: Choose a blend of ground beef and pork for richer flavor, or swap in ground turkey for a leaner option that's just as delicious.
• Moisture Matters: Add a splash of milk and grate onions instead of chopping to keep your meatloaf incredibly juicy and tender without becoming dense.
• Glaze Game Changer: Experiment with different glaze variations like adding a touch of sriracha for heat, BBQ sauce for smokiness, or apple cider for a subtle sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
• Dietary Flexibility: Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic comfort food.

How To Plate Classic Stovetop Meatloaf

• Comfort Plate Pairings: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic, hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a buffet-style spread with coleslaw, corn on the cob, and buttery dinner rolls to complement the rich meatloaf flavors.
• Leftover Magic: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches by adding crisp lettuce, tomato, and a smear of tangy mayo between crusty bread slices.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel to enhance the savory notes and bring out the meatloaf's deep, robust taste.

Best Way To Store Classic Stovetop Meatloaf

• Smart Storage Solutions: Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Slice meatloaf into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm slices in skillet over medium-low heat for crispy edges. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Add extra glaze for moisture and flavor boost.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Cook extra meatloaf during weekend cooking. Use leftovers in sandwiches, crumble into pasta sauce, or create delicious meatloaf hash for quick weeknight dinners.

Hearty Stovetop Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty classic stovetop meatloaf recipe brings comfort to family dinners with rich, savory flavors. Homemade goodness infuses each slice, promising a satisfying meal that connects generations through traditional cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (80/20)
• 0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork (optional)
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 2 tbsps olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl. Fold ingredients gently until just combined, maintaining a light texture.
2. Shaping: Form the meat mixture into an oval-shaped loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
3. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully transfer the loaf to the pan, searing for 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust, using a spatula for precise movement.
4. Glazing: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard into a smooth, glossy glaze. Brush half the mixture over the meatloaf’s surface.
5. Cooking: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). Uncover, apply remaining glaze, and increase heat to medium to caramelize the exterior.
6. Serving: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice and serve with preferred side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or green beans.

Notes

• Prevent Overworking Meat: Mix ingredients gently and minimally to keep the meatloaf tender, avoiding tough and dense texture by using light hand movements during combination.
• Maintain Even Cooking: Shape the meatloaf symmetrically with uniform thickness to ensure consistent internal temperature and prevent undercooked or dry sections.
• Control Moisture Balance: Include milk and egg as binding agents to retain moisture, preventing dry and crumbly meatloaf while enhancing overall flavor and texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160F, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking and maintaining juicy, succulent consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg