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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Shaping: Form the meat mixture into an oval-shaped loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
- 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.
- Glazing: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard into a smooth, glossy glaze. Brush half the mixture over the meatloaf’s surface.
- 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.
- 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