Dive into delicious comfort food with our American Meatloaf Recipe. This isn’t your average meatloaf – it’s a flavorful twist on the classic American Meatloaf that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Craving a taste of tradition? We’ll show you how to achieve that perfect texture and savory goodness, all within this easy-to-follow recipe. For those seeking a different spin, we’ll also touch on variations like a traditional meatloaf recipe UK. But no matter your preference, this American Meatloaf Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to return to again and again.
Who is This Recipe For?
This American Meatloaf Recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys comforting, hearty meals! It’s ideal for:
- Home cooks looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
- Fans of classic American Meatloaf seeking a reliable recipe with a flavorful twist.
- Those curious about the differences between American Meatloaf and traditional versions like UK meatloaf recipes.
- Anyone who wants to impress their family and friends with a crowd-pleasing dish.
Recipe Swaps and Variations for American Meatloaf:
Here are some ways to customize your American Meatloaf Recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs:
- Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a combination for a lighter option.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers, oats, or quinoa for added texture.
- Veggies: Sauteed chopped mushrooms, peppers, or onions add moisture and flavor.
- Flavor Boosters: Spice things up with a dash of hot sauce, chipotle peppers, or Italian seasoning.
- Glaze Variations: Try a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce glaze, a creamy Dijon mustard glaze, or a classic ketchup glaze.
- UK Twist: For a more traditional UK-style meatloaf, add grated apples or Worcestershire sauce to the mix.
Feel free to experiment and discover your perfect American Meatloaf creation!
Kitchen Equipment Needed for American Meatloaf:
Making this delicious American Meatloaf Recipe requires minimal equipment, making it a breeze to whip up! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatloaf ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For mixing the meatloaf mixture.
- Loaf Pan: A loaf pan sized 9×5 inches is ideal for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
- Baking Sheet (Optional): While not essential, a baking sheet can be used to catch any drippings during baking.
- Knife and Cutting Board (Optional): If you’re chopping any vegetables for the recipe.
With these basic tools, you’ll be well on your way to creating a fantastic American Meatloaf!
Ingredients(American Meatloaf Recipe):
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef (80/20 Lean-to-Fat Ratio)
- 1 Medium Onion, Diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Cup Plain Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 2 Large Eggs, Beaten
- 1/4 Cup Ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Optional Glaze Ingredients (Choose One):
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Dijon Mustard (Equal Parts of Each)
- 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Dijon Mustard and Honey (Equal Parts)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, and garlic.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the ground beef mixture. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Shape the mixture into a loaf, pressing it firmly to ensure even cooking.
- For the glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together your chosen glaze ingredients. Brush the top of the meatloaf with the glaze.
- Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 160°F (71°C). If using a glaze, baste the meatloaf with the remaining glaze every 15 minutes during the last half of baking for a more flavorful crust.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.
American Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl For combining the meatloaf ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons To ensure accurate measurements.
- Loaf Pan: A loaf pan sized 9×5 inches is ideal for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
- Baking Sheet (Optional): While not essential, a baking sheet can be used to catch any drippings during baking.
- Knife and Cutting Board (Optional): If you're chopping any vegetables for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef 80/20 Lean-to-Fat Ratio
- 1 Medium Onion Diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Cup Plain Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 2 Large Eggs Beaten
- 1/4 Cup Ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Optional Glaze Ingredients (Choose One):
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup Brown Sugar, and Dijon Mustard (Equal Parts of Each)
- 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Dijon Mustard and Honey Equal Parts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, and garlic.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the ground beef mixture. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Shape the mixture into a loaf, pressing it firmly to ensure even cooking.
- For the glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together your chosen glaze ingredients. Brush the top of the meatloaf with the glaze.
- Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 160°F (71°C). If using a glaze, baste the meatloaf with the remaining glaze every 15 minutes during the last half of baking for a more flavorful crust.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Notes
- Calories: 450-500 (approximately)
- Fat: 25-30g (approximately)
- Protein: 30-35g (approximately)
- Carbs: 20-25g (approximately)
Perfect Pairings for Your American Meatloaf Recipe
The beauty of American Meatloaf is its versatility when it comes to pairing it with drinks. Here are some delicious options to complement the different aspects of this classic dish:
Wine:
- Red Wine: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel stands up well to the richness of the meatloaf and cuts through the savory glaze.
- Pinot Noir: For a lighter option, a Pinot Noir with its fruity notes complements the meatloaf without overpowering it.
Beer:
- Amber Ale: The caramel notes of an amber ale pair nicely with the sweetness of the glaze and richness of the meat.
- Brown Ale: For a more complex flavor profile, a brown ale with its nutty and chocolatey undertones complements the savory aspects of the meatloaf.
Non-alcoholic Drinks:
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: This classic pairing provides a creamy and comforting counterpoint to the meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and refreshing element to the meal.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the meatloaf and adds a touch of freshness.
Bonus Tip:
- If you choose a glaze with a strong BBQ flavor, consider pairing it with a glass of lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing contrast.
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Frequently Asked Questions: American Meatloaf Recipe
What is American Meatloaf?
American Meatloaf is a savory dish made with ground meat (typically beef), mixed with breadcrumbs, vegetables, herbs, and spices, formed into a loaf shape, and baked. It’s a classic comfort food known for its versatility and delicious flavor.
How to Make American Meatloaf?
This American Meatloaf Recipe provides a straightforward approach to making this comforting dish. It guides you through all the steps, from combining the ingredients to baking and glazing.
Is Meatloaf American?
While meatloaf has variations in different cultures, the style presented in this American Meatloaf Recipe is considered a classic American dish.
Is Meatloaf an American Dish?
Yes, the American Meatloaf Recipe we’ve presented here is a widely recognized American dish. Meatloaf itself has roots in European cuisine, but the American version has its own distinct flavors and techniques.
Can I Substitute Ingredients in this American Meatloaf Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe offers suggestions for substitutions like using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, adding vegetables, and experimenting with different glazes. Feel free to customize it to your taste preferences.
I hope this FAQ helps you navigate your American Meatloaf journey! Enjoy making and devouring this delicious dish!
