Description
Momma’s Meatloaf brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending hearty ground beef with classic seasonings. Homemade flavor and nostalgic memories merge in this simple yet satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (227 grams) ground pork
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Gently merge ground beef and ground pork in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a harmonious protein foundation for the classic comfort dish.
- Incorporate bread crumbs and milk, allowing the mixture to develop a tender, moist texture that will elevate the final product.
- Introduce finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to infuse the meat with aromatic depth and complex flavor profiles.
- Crack a fresh egg into the mixture, acting as a binding agent that will help maintain the meatloaf’s structural integrity during cooking.
- Blend ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to create a tangy seasoning that will permeate the entire loaf with rich, zesty undertones.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution of herbs and spices for a balanced taste experience.
- Thoroughly knead all ingredients until uniformly combined, taking care not to overwork the meat, which could result in a dense texture.
- Transfer the prepared mixture into a standard loaf pan, smoothing the top to create an even surface for consistent cooking.
- Heat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center to ensure uniform heat circulation around the meatloaf.
- Roast for approximately one hour, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F, indicating complete cooking.
- Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender final result.
- Slice carefully and serve alongside complementary side dishes, presenting a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Swap ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the classic texture and binding properties.
- Add grated carrots or zucchini to boost vegetable content and create extra moisture, preventing the meatloaf from becoming dry during baking.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and perfectly cooked meatloaf every single time, avoiding potential undercooking risks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 579 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg