Description
Classic meatloaf from Joy of Cooking brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across America. Savory ground beef blended with herbs, breadcrumbs, and a tangy glaze creates a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) Ground beef chuck
- 12 ounces (340 grams) Ground beef round
- 3 large Eggs
Binding and Filling:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) Quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) Onions (finely chopped)
Seasoning and Sauce:
- ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) Ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground thyme
- ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the meatloaf.
- Thoroughly grease a standard 9-inch by 5-inch (23 centimeters by 12.7 centimeters) loaf pan to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine all ingredients, taking care to incorporate them evenly without overworking the meat mixture.
- Use clean hands to blend the ingredients, being cautious not to compact the meat too densely, which could result in a tough texture.
- Artfully shape the mixture into a uniform loaf, ensuring consistent thickness throughout for even cooking.
- Carefully transfer the formed loaf into the prepared greased pan, positioning it centrally.
- Place the loaf pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drippings and prevent oven mess.
- Slide the baking sheet with the meatloaf into the preheated oven, allowing it to cook for 60 to 75 minutes.
- Verify doneness by inserting a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let excess fat drain completely.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Slice into generous portions and serve alongside your favorite accompaniments or sauces.
Notes
- Experiment with ground beef blends ranging from lean to medium-fat for rich, complex taste profiles.
- Handle meat mixture gently when combining ingredients to maintain a light, tender texture.
- Taste-test seasonings beforehand to ensure perfect balance without overwhelming the dish.
- Splash in Worcestershire sauce sparingly to elevate the meat’s natural savoriness.
- Allow meatloaf to settle after cooking, creating a more cohesive and juicy final result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 364 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 422 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 139 mg