Soul Food · American · Dinner
Tender homestyle meatloaf with a glossy tomato glaze.
WHAT YOU NEED
Ingredients adjusted for 6 servings
Read the complete method first. Measure all ingredients for Classic Meatloaf, prepare the listed equipment, and separate raw-food tools from ready-to-eat food.
STEP BY STEP
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a rimmed tray or lightly grease a loaf tin. Finely chop 1 onion and cook it in 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft, then cool slightly.
In a large bowl combine 1 cup breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup milk; leave for 3 minutes to form a panade. Add 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper and the cooled onion.
Add 750 g minced beef and mix gently with clean hands only until evenly combined. Overmixing compresses the meat and produces a dense loaf.
Shape the mixture into an even loaf about 8 cm high on the tray, or press it lightly into the tin without packing hard. Spread 1/2 cup ketchup over the top in an even glaze.
Bake for 50–65 minutes until browned and the centre reaches at least 71°C. If the glaze darkens too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the final part of cooking.
Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute and the loaf holds together. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat slices until steaming hot.
Nutrition varies with portions and ingredient brands.
If food browns too quickly, lower the heat. If it is pale or watery, cook in smaller batches and allow excess moisture to evaporate before adding more ingredients.
Serve Classic Meatloaf at the temperature recommended in the method. Taste for seasoning only when the food is safe to sample, then add garnishes just before serving.
Cool leftovers promptly, transfer them to a clean airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat only the portion needed until piping hot, and follow local food-safety guidance.
WHAT I LEARNED
Resting meatloaf helps it hold together when sliced.
SAFETY FIRST
Wash hands after raw meat and confirm the centre is fully cooked.
