Description
Ina Garten’s Meatloaf is a classic, comforting American dish made with ground beef, aromatic sautéed onions, and a tangy ketchup topping. This easy recipe balances rich flavors and moist texture, perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Topping
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Sauté the onions: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 8–10 minutes until onions soften but don’t brown, creating a flavorful base for the meatloaf.
- Add liquids and tomato paste: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste with the onions. Let the mixture cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs when mixed.
- Combine meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and the cooled onion mixture. Mix lightly with a fork to avoid toughening the meatloaf.
- Shape the loaf: Form the mixture into a loaf on a parchment-lined sheet pan, giving it a classic meatloaf shape for even cooking.
- Add ketchup topping: Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf, adding sweetness and moisture as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps juices redistribute and makes slicing easier before serving.
Notes
- Using an 80/20 ground beef blend provides the best flavor and moisture balance.
- Ground turkey can substitute ground beef but requires shorter baking time and additional seasoning.
- For gluten-free preparation, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
