How to Make an Old-Fashioned Meatloaf – A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Old-fashioned meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s typically made with ground beef and a variety of herbs and spices, and it’s often served with potatoes or other side dishes. It’s also an affordable meal that can easily feed a large group of people. In this article, we’ll explore how to make old-fashioned meatloaf and provide you with a traditional recipe for the perfect loaf.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Making old-fashioned meatloaf is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Gather Necessary Ingredients. Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients you need for the recipe. You’ll need ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices. You may also want to include ketchup or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.

2. Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a glass baking dish, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C).

3. Prepare the Meatloaf. Combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, and herbs in a large bowl. Mix everything together until it’s thoroughly combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish.

4. Bake the Meatloaf. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving.

A Traditional Recipe for the Perfect Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Here’s a traditional recipe that will help you make a delicious old-fashioned meatloaf. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900g) ground beef
• 1 cup (60g) bread crumbs
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried basil
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s thoroughly combined.
• Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish.
• In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and water. Pour the mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Make a Tasty Old-Fashioned Meatloaf in Just a Few Easy Steps

If you want to make a tasty old-fashioned meatloaf, there are a few key steps you’ll need to follow. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose Ground Beef with the Right Fat Content. When selecting ground beef for your meatloaf, choose one with a fat content of at least 80%. Leaner ground beef won’t have enough fat to keep the loaf moist and flavorful.

2. Select the Proper Pan. For best results, use a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. This size pan provides enough room for the loaf to cook evenly without overcrowding.

3. Add Moisture and Flavor to the Loaf. To ensure a moist and flavorful loaf, add moisture-rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and ketchup. You can also add herbs and spices for extra flavor.

4. Add Herbs and Spices for Extra Flavor. For even more flavor, add herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. These ingredients will give the loaf an extra boost of flavor.

An Illustrated Guide to Crafting an Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Here’s an illustrated guide to crafting the perfect old-fashioned meatloaf. Follow these steps for delicious results:

1. Preparing the Ingredients. Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Measure out the ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices. Mix everything together in a large bowl until it’s thoroughly combined.

2. Assembling the Meatloaf. Once all the ingredients are mixed together, shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and water. Pour the mixture over the top of the meatloaf.

3. Baking the Meatloaf. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Creating a Delicious Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect old-fashioned meatloaf:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients. Whenever possible, opt for fresh ingredients over canned or packaged ones. Fresh ingredients will yield a tastier and healthier result.

2. Be Creative with Seasonings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices. Try adding new flavors like cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder to give the loaf an extra kick.

3. Let the Loaf Rest Before Serving. After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and flavorful result.

Conclusion

Making old-fashioned meatloaf is simple and rewarding. Following these steps and tips will help you create a delicious and comforting meal that the entire family will enjoy.