Juicy Home-Style Barefoot Contessa’s Meatloaf Recipe For Comfort

Meatloaf gets a luxurious makeover with ina garten’s Barefoot Contessa meatloaf recipe that elevates comfort food to gourmet status.

Her approach turns a classic dish into something extraordinary.

Rich, tender, and packed with robust flavors, this meatloaf promises a memorable meal that goes beyond ordinary expectations.

Garten’s culinary expertise shines through every carefully selected ingredient.

The blend of ground meats creates a succulent texture that melts in your mouth.

Served with a tangy glaze, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

You’ll want to make this showstopping meatloaf the star of your next dinner.

Best Side Ideas for Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf

• Pair with Comforting Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of this classic meatloaf.
• Create a Family-Style Meal: Slice the meatloaf and arrange on a large platter surrounded by your favorite green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a hearty dinner presentation.
• Make Delicious Leftovers: Transform remaining meatloaf into tasty sandwiches the next day by slicing thinly and adding fresh lettuce and tangy mustard between soft bread slices.
• Add Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the sliced meatloaf to bring a bright, fresh touch and extra pop of color to the dish.

Meal Planning with Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf

• Maximize Meal Prep: Store leftover meatloaf in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen meatloaf stays delicious for up to 3 months, ready for quick weeknight dinners.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated slices in the microwave or oven at 350°F, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep the meat juicy. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness and maintain the meatloaf's tender texture.
• Smart Portion Planning: Slice and portion the meatloaf before storing, making it easy to grab single servings for lunch or quick meals. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes Into Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf

• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth, look for firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Thyme: Brings earthy herbal notes, fresh sprigs provide more intense flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami punch, choose high-quality brands for rich complexity.
• Chicken Stock: Ensures moisture and enhances savory profile, low-sodium versions recommended.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich tomato flavor, seek out brands with deep red color.

• Ground Chuck: Provides robust meaty foundation, select 80/20 fat content for juiciness.
• Eggs: Acts as natural binder, room temperature eggs mix more smoothly.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps maintain tender texture, homemade crumbs offer superior quality.

• Ketchup: Adds tangy-sweet glaze, look for varieties with balanced sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté onions smoothly, extra virgin provides subtle fruity undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasoning, freshly ground pepper delivers more intense flavor.

Items Needed for Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing meatloaf ingredients gently.
• Sauté pan: Essential for cooking onions with herbs and spices.
• Sheet pan: Helps bake meatloaf evenly and catch any drips.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Fork: Ideal for mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking meatloaf's internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient prep.

Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf

• Kitchen Preparation

Gather all cooking tools and clear workspace for a smooth meatloaf adventure. Select a spacious sheet pan and comfortable mixing bowl.

• Onion Transformation

Gently sauté onions in olive oil, releasing their sweet aroma with delicate herbs. Cook until translucent and soft, creating a flavorful base for the meatloaf.

• Moisture Magic

Introduce Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste to the onion mixture. Allow the blend to cool and develop rich, deep flavors.

• Gentle Mixing

Combine ground chuck with the aromatic onion blend, soft bread crumbs, and beaten eggs. Use a light touch, folding ingredients together without compressing the meat.

• Loaf Shaping

Form the mixture into a rustic rectangular shape on the prepared sheet pan. Spread a layer of ketchup across the top for a tangy, caramelized finish.

• Oven Transformation

Bake in a gentle 325°F oven, creating a moist and tender centerpiece. Place a water pan underneath to prevent surface cracking and maintain juiciness.

• Serving Moment

Allow the meatloaf to rest briefly, letting juices redistribute. Slice and serve as a comforting main dish that promises warm, nostalgic flavors.

Ways to Improve Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf

• Mix ground meats like beef, pork, and veal for deeper flavor complexity and more tender texture.
• Add grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to keep the meatloaf extra juicy without changing the core recipe profile.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or smoked paprika to create regional flavor variations that surprise your dinner guests.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to blend and develop overnight for even more delicious results when baking.
• Transform cold meatloaf slices into gourmet sandwiches by toasting bread, adding sharp cheddar cheese, and spreading tangy mustard for a quick next-day meal.

Incredible Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic barefoot contessa meatloaf blends ground beef, herbs, and seasonings into a comforting main dish. Rich flavors and tender texture make this American favorite a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 lbs ground chuck (81% lean)
• 2 extra-large eggs, beaten
• 3 cups yellow onions, chopped (about 3 medium onions)
• ½ cup ketchup (e.g., Heinz)
• ½ cup plain dry bread crumbs (e.g., Progresso)
• 3 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) chicken stock or broth
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F, positioning rack in center, and line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth meatloaf release.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions in olive oil over medium-low heat, infusing with thyme, salt, and pepper until translucent and softened, developing rich flavor profile.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Remove pan from heat, incorporating Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste into onion mixture, allowing ingredients to harmonize and cool slightly.
4. Meatloaf Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold ground chuck with onion mixture, bread crumbs, and beaten eggs, maintaining a light, airy texture without overworking the meat.
5. Shaping and Seasoning: Mold meat mixture into a uniform rectangular loaf on prepared sheet pan, generously brushing ketchup across the surface for moisture and tangy glaze.
6. Baking Process: Place meatloaf in preheated oven with a pan of hot water underneath to prevent surface cracking, baking for 1-1¼ hours until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. Serving Presentation: Rest meatloaf briefly after removing from oven, allowing juices to redistribute, then slice and serve warm for a comforting, flavorful main course.

Notes

Prevent Dry Meatloaf: Use ground chuck with 80/20 fat content to ensure juicy, tender results that won’t become dense or crumbly.

Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté onions slowly to caramelize and develop rich, sweet undertones that infuse the entire meatloaf with complexity.

Maintain Moisture Balance: Avoid overmixing meat to prevent tough texture; gently combine ingredients using a fork for lighter, more delicate consistency.

Control Cooking Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked meatloaf without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg