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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan, artfully sculpting it into a symmetrical loaf shape that promises even cooking.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and allow the meatloaf to roast for 40 minutes, developing rich, deep flavors.
- While the meatloaf transforms, whisk together a tantalizing glaze using chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar, creating a sweet and zesty finishing touch.
- 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.
- 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