If you’re searching for the ultimate meatloaf recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This easy meatloaf recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also moist in the middle, thanks to a few secret ingredients. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Key Ingredients
- Mushrooms: 8 oz of mushrooms add incredible moisture and flavor.
- Onion and Shallot: Half a medium onion and a large shallot, finely chopped.
- Bell Pepper: Half a bell pepper, finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the meatloaf.
- Garlic: A few cloves, minced for that aromatic kick.
- Ground Beef: A pound of ground beef is the base of our meatloaf.
- Crushed Saltine Crackers: Provides texture and helps bind the meatloaf.
- Milk: 1/4 cup to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Eggs: One egg and one egg yolk for binding.
- Condiments: Dijon mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce add depth of flavor.
Cooking the Vegetables
Start by melting some butter in a skillet and adding your chopped mushrooms. Cover them and let them cook down a bit. This step is crucial as it releases moisture and enhances the flavor. After a few minutes, stir in the chopped onion and shallot with a bit of salt. Once the onions are soft and sweet-smelling, add in the garlic, bell pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Cook for a few more minutes until all the veggies are well combined.
Let the vegetables cool before adding them to your meat mixture. This helps prevent the meat from cooking prematurely.
Mixing the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with crushed saltine crackers, milk, egg, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the veggies have cooled, add them in and mix everything together thoroughly. You want a well-blended mixture to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Forming and Baking the Meatloaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. For best results, pop it in the fridge for a bit to firm up before baking. While it chills, you can prepare the glaze!
Meatloaf Glaze
This glaze is the star of the show! Combine ketchup, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce to create a sweet and tangy topping. Once your meatloaf has chilled, slather the glaze generously over the top.
Baking the Meatloaf
Preheat your oven and bake the meatloaf until it’s cooked through in the center. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. Once it’s ready, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice even more delicious.
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The leftovers make for incredible sandwiches too!
So there you have it—the best meatloaf recipe that’s sure to become a family favourite. If you make it, let us know how it turns out! We love hearing from you!
