Easy Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe for Perfect Family Dinners

Meatloaf stands as a quintessential comfort food that transforms ordinary ground beef into a culinary masterpiece.

Home cooks adore this rustic dish for its ability to blend simple ingredients into something truly remarkable.

Every kitchen tells a story through its meatloaf, reflecting personal touches and family traditions.

Rich, hearty flavors mingle with tender meat and aromatic seasonings to create a deeply satisfying meal.

Skilled chefs know the secret lies in balancing moisture, texture, and robust seasoning.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients come together in perfect harmony.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with a recipe that promises warmth and deliciousness:

Delight in the Homestyle Comfort of Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

• Savor Comfort Classic: Julia Child's meatloaf delivers home-style comfort with its rich, hearty flavors that remind you of warm family dinners and traditional American cooking.
• Master Foolproof Techniques: The recipe's gentle mixing method and thoughtful steps ensure a perfectly tender meatloaf, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs with guaranteed delicious results.
• Quick Weeknight Delight: Requiring just over an hour from start to finish, this meatloaf provides a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy families wanting a no-fuss, nutritious dinner without complicated preparation.
• Customize with Love: The flexible recipe allows personal touches like switching chili sauce for ketchup or adding different herbs, letting home cooks make the dish uniquely their own while maintaining Julia Child's signature approach.

Key Ingredients for Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

• Ground Beef: A classic, flavorful base for the meatloaf with rich meaty texture.
• Eggs, Milk, Breadcrumbs: Essential binding agents that help hold the meatloaf together and create a tender consistency.
• Onions: Sweet and aromatic ingredient that adds depth and moisture to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Chili Sauce: Provides tangy sweetness and helps create a delicious glaze.
• Italian Seasoning, Parsley: Herbs that bring fresh and vibrant flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Brown Sugar: Optional ingredient for extra sweetness in the sauce.
• Butter: Used to sauté onions and add richness to the dish.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Foil: Assists with easy cleanup and prevents burning.

A Comprehensive Guide to Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Onions

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and glassy, about 5 minutes. Let them cool down completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Binding Mixture

• 2 eggs
• Milk
• Breadcrumbs

Allow this mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes, letting the breadcrumbs soak up all the liquid goodness.

Step 4: Build the Meatloaf Base

• Ground beef
• Cooled sautéed onions
• Ketchup
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender and juicy.

Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking pan. Mold it into a classic loaf shape with your hands.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 7: Create the Glaze

• Chili sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar (optional)

Step 8: Final Baking and Glazing

Pull the meatloaf out after 40 minutes. Generously spread the sauce over the top. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and delicious.

Insider Tips for Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

• Boost Flavor with Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic before mixing to intensify the depth and richness of your meatloaf's taste profile.
• Prevent Dry Edges: Cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil during the first part of baking to lock in moisture and maintain a succulent texture.
• Transform Leftovers Creatively: Crumble cold meatloaf into pasta sauces, stuff into peppers, or create delicious sandwiches for exciting next-day meals.
• Customize Texture Smartly: Grate vegetables finely to add moisture without compromising the meatloaf's structural integrity and overall consistency.
• Test Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 160°F for perfect safety and optimal juiciness.

Smart Storage Solutions for Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

• Preserve: Vacuum seal individual meatloaf slices in heavy-duty freezer bags to lock in maximum freshness for up to 3 months. This method prevents freezer burn and maintains the original flavor and texture.
• Protect: Store leftover meatloaf in shallow, rectangular glass containers with tight-sealing lids. Glass containers prevent odor absorption and allow even cooling, keeping the meatloaf's moisture intact for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Revive: Reheat refrigerated meatloaf by placing slices in a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel on top. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway to prevent drying out. Adding a tablespoon of beef broth helps restore moisture and prevents the meat from becoming tough.

Creative Twists on Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

• Mediterranean Meatloaf: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano, mint, and add crumbled feta cheese. Mix in chopped kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Incorporate diced jalapeños, green chiles, and replace ketchup with salsa. Swap Italian seasoning for cumin and chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese during final baking stage.
• Smoky Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf: Weave bacon strips over the meatloaf before baking. Add smoked paprika to the meat mixture and use barbecue sauce instead of standard ketchup glaze. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits throughout the meat mixture for extra crunch.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Sauté chopped cremini mushrooms with onions. Mix in grated Swiss cheese and fresh thyme. Create a creamy mushroom sauce to pour over the meatloaf during the final baking minutes.

Closing Reflections on Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

Julia Child’s meatloaf emerges as classic American comfort fare with French-inspired finesse.

Delicate seasonings and careful techniques elevate this humble dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Nostalgia blends seamlessly with culinary craftsmanship in each succulent slice.

Homemade goodness radiates from this timeless recipe, connecting generations through shared kitchen memories.

Hearty and satisfying, this meatloaf promises warmth and indulgence for family dinners.

Passionate cooks seeking authentic flavors: dive into this legendary recipe, share its story, spread delicious joy across your digital circles, and celebrate culinary heritage together.

Julia Child Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Julia Child’s classic meatloaf promises comfort and classic American home cooking. Seasoned with care and packed with hearty flavors, this recipe delivers a delicious centerpiece that connects generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 2 large eggs

Bread and Binding Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ketchup or chili sauce

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) milk

Topping:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chili sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) brown sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the culinary appliance to 350°F (175°C). Create a protective lining in the baking vessel using aluminum foil and apply a light coating of cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Transform the chopped onions into a silky, translucent delicacy by gently sautéing them in melted butter over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes. Allow the onions to cool after removing from the heat source.
3. Craft a binding liquid by whisking together eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Allow this mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the breadcrumbs to fully absorb the moisture and create a harmonious base.
4. Incorporate the ground beef into the moistened breadcrumb mixture. Delicately fold in the sautéed onions, ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Blend the ingredients with a gentle touch, ensuring minimal compression to maintain the meatloaf’s tender texture.
5. Carefully transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan, artfully sculpting it into a symmetrical loaf shape that promises even cooking.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and allow the meatloaf to roast for 40 minutes, developing rich, deep flavors.
7. While the meatloaf transforms, whisk together a tantalizing glaze using chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar, creating a sweet and zesty finishing touch.
8. Extract the partially cooked meatloaf from the oven and lavish it with the prepared sauce, ensuring an even, glossy coating. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes of caramelization.
9. Once complete, grant the meatloaf a brief moment of repose for 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the internal juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains succulent and perfectly formed when served.

Notes

• Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute and make slicing smoother.
• Minimize mixing ingredients to prevent creating a dense, tough texture that ruins the meatloaf’s tenderness.
• Select fresh breadcrumbs over dried versions for better moisture retention and smoother ingredient integration.
• Fold in moisture-packed ingredients like sautéed onions, minced garlic, or grated vegetables to enhance juiciness and flavor depth.
• Pick ground beef with an 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio to guarantee a succulent and rich-tasting meatloaf that melts in your mouth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg