Basic Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a quick and easy meal for your family. A time tested staple for most families. It’s great to make in large batches with bulk deal meat and freeze for a quick meal on a busy week. If you’re a new cook it’s a MUST KNOW basic!
BASIC MEATLOAF
Preheat oven to 350*
In a medium bowl mix
*1lb meat (80/20 ground beef is standard)
* 1 Egg
* 1/2 cup Bread or cracker crumbs
* 1/4 cup Onion
Press mixture into a loaf pan or form into a loaf shape on a foil lined baking sheet
Place in oven uncovered for 45 minutes
Add 1/4 cup Ketchup to top and return to oven for 10 minutes or until internal temp reaches 160*
Take loaf from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting
That’s it. That is a basic meatloaf. However, it can easily be kicked up a notch and experimented with! Here’s some examples:
Classic Options
Use a lean meat – I recommend a dash of milk if a leaner meat is used
Use 2 eggs and 1 cup crumbs for a thicker bound loaf – again I recommend a splash of milk
Use Italian seasoned bread crumbs or add 1 TBL Spoon Italian Season for a little flavor
Other seasoning options: Season to taste 1Tbl Spoon +
-Dry Ranch Seasoning
-Dry Taco Seasoning (add the desired amount of shredded cheese to meat and salsa instead of ketchup on top)
–Worcestershire Sauce
-McCormick Steak Seasoning (or any of their mixes!)
-Be Creative!!!
Side Ideas
-Mash Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes/Squash
-Veggies (Just about any will do! I love green beans.)
-Mac N Cheese
-Stuffing
Tips and Tricks
-If using seasoning in your meatloaf sprinkle some on your sides while cooking them too. Not too much, just enough to bring the meal together seamlessly.
-Make clean up easier with tin foil! Use disposable foil loaf pans or fully line your loaf pan or baking sheet with tin foil and once it cools carefully fold it in to trap the grease and toss out. This time saver not only saves you time scrubbing pans but it also could save you money on a plumber because no grease goes down your drain!!!
-Stock up on gallon freezer bags and make several loaves at once. Save yourself time and money in the future with make-ahead meals!
