Are you tired of dry, bland meatloaf? Do you crave a truly delicious, restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home? Then get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredible meatloaf recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Gordon Ramsay. Forget everything you thought you knew about meatloaf – this recipe is a game-changer! It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a juicy, flavorful meatloaf that will impress even the most discerning palates. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, and definitely among the best recipes you’ll ever try!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 0.5 lb ground pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture:
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In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef and ground pork. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. Overmixing also squeezes out the moisture that leads to juicy texture.
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Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Again, mix gently until just combined.
Shaping and Baking:
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Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Pour this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
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Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through. This prevents undercooking and food safety issues.
Resting and Serving:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
Tips for Meatloaf Perfection:
- Don't overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid a tough meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let it rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your preference.
Variations:
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the meatloaf before baking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage.
- Make it a healthier meal: Substitute some of the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken breast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This recipe provides delicious and healthy meals perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this elevated take on a classic comfort food! This easy and healthy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while satisfying your cravings for delicious dishes. It's definitely one of the best recipes for a quick dinner. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! We'd love to see your meatloaf masterpieces.