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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove pan from heat, incorporating Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste into onion mixture, allowing ingredients to harmonize and cool slightly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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