INTRODUCTION
Comfort food has a special place in many of our hearts. It often reminds us of home, family gatherings, or special occasions. One dish that stands out in the realm of comfort food is meatloaf. It is warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Nothing beats the smell of a meatloaf baking in the oven; it fills the home with warmth and invites everyone to the dinner table. This meatloaf recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both cooking newbies and seasoned chefs alike.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This meatloaf recipe is simple yet filled with flavor. You will love it because it combines classic ingredients to create a dish that is both delicious and comforting. Using dry onion soup mix, Ritz crackers, and ground beef ensures that this meatloaf is moist and flavorful. The addition of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, and garlic powder gives it a nice kick that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it is easy to make and takes less than an hour from start to finish. Whether you are serving it for dinner or preparing leftovers for lunch, this meatloaf is sure to please everyone.
HOW TO MAKE Meatloaf
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before you start making your meatloaf, gather the following equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan
- Cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, crushed Ritz crackers, beaten egg, and whole milk. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes to absorb the liquids.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard, and ketchup until well combined.
- Add the ground beef to the mixture, gently mixing it in until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to avoid making the meatloaf tough.
- Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and transfer the beef mixture into the pan, pressing it gently to shape but not compacting it too much.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and no pink remains in the center.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Meatloaf
Serving meatloaf is easy and fun. Once you slice it, you can serve it with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables are classic choices. You might also enjoy it with a simple salad or some crusty bread. For a little extra flavor, drizzle some extra ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf just before serving.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Meatloaf
If you have any leftovers, storing them is quite simple. Let the meatloaf cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Slice the meatloaf and wrap the slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight and heat them in the oven or microwave.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
When it comes to serving meatloaf, the options are endless. Here are some suggested sides:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Garlic bread
- Corn on the cob
- A fresh garden salad
- Coleslaw
You can mix and match these sides based on what you like and what you have on hand.
VARIATIONS
If you want to mix things up, here are some ideas to change up your meatloaf:
- Add chopped vegetables: Fine diced onions, bell peppers, or carrots can add flavor and nutrition.
- Change up the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add cheese: Try mixing in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
- Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
These variations can help make the dish more interesting while staying true to that comforting meatloaf flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make meatloaf without eggs?
Yes! If you prefer not to use eggs, you can substitute them with breadcrumbs soaked in milk or a mix of ground flaxseed and water to bind the ingredients together.
2. Can meatloaf be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just shape it into a loaf and bake when you are ready to eat.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
4. Can I use other types of crackers instead of Ritz?
Yes! You can use any type of cracker or bread crumbs as a substitute. Just make sure they are crushed into fine pieces.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Meatloaf
To save time on busy days, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance. Mix all the ingredients together, place the mixture in a loaf pan, and cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, all you have to do is bake it straight from the fridge. This makes it easy to have a home-cooked meal ready to go with minimal effort.
With this recipe, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a homemade meatloaf any day of the week. It is not just a meal; it’s a way to bring family and friends together. Enjoy making and sharing it!
Meatloaf
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, crushed Ritz crackers, beaten egg, and whole milk. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes to absorb the liquids.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard, and ketchup until well combined.
- Add the ground beef to the mixture, gently mixing it in until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to avoid making the meatloaf tough.
- Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and transfer the beef mixture into the pan, pressing it gently to shape but not compacting it too much.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and no pink remains in the center.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!