Mouth-Watering Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients :

• For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped bell pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • For the Glaze:

    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions :

1. Preparing the Meatloaf:

   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   3. Transfer the meat mixture to a greased loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf.
   4. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients – ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
   5. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

   6. Cook Notes

      Achieving the perfect Mouth-Watering Meatloaf requires attention to detail and a few pro tips:

Ground Beef Selection: Opt for ground beef with an 80% lean to 20% fat ratio to ensure a juicy and flavorful meatloaf.

Breadcrumbs Magic: Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for a light and tender texture. Soak them in milk to add moisture to the meatloaf.

Cheese Bliss: Experiment with different cheeses or a combination of your favorites to add a melty, gooey surprise to each slice.

• Glaze Brilliance: Brushing the glaze on top not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautiful caramelized finish.

 

Variations

Bacon-Wrapped Wonder:

Elevate your Meatloaf experience with a Bacon-Wrapped Wonder:

• Lay strips of bacon over the meatloaf before baking for a smoky, savory twist.
• Ensure the bacon is crispy, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

 

Mediterranean Magic:

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with a flavorful variation:

• Add chopped olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to the meat mixture for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Veggie Lover’s Dream:

For a lighter, veggie-packed option, consider the Veggie Lover’s Dream:

• Incorporate finely grated carrots, zucchini, and spinach into the meat mixture for added color and nutritional value.

Keto Version

If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, fear not. Here’s how to transform this classic into a keto-friendly delight:

• Breadcrumbs Substitute: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.
• Sugar-Free Glaze: Use a sugar-free ketchup and brown sugar substitute in the glaze to keep it keto-compliant.
• Veggies Galore: Load up on low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and onions while keeping the carb count in check.

Low-Carb Version

For those mindful of their carb intake, a low-carb Meatloaf is within reach:

Almond Flour Power: Swap out traditional breadcrumbs for almond flour to reduce the carb content.

Low-Sugar Ketchup: Opt for a ketchup

Low-Sugar Ketchup: Opt for a ketchup with reduced sugar or make your own to cut down on unnecessary carbs.

Veggie Infusion: Increase the vegetable-to-meat ratio to add bulk without the added carbohydrates.