Tired of the same old meatloaf recipe? Craving a delicious, juicy meatloaf but want to avoid bread crumbs? You've come to the right place! This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional meatloaf, but with a healthier, lighter twist that skips the bread crumbs entirely. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that are also healthy meals, ideal for a quick dinner idea or a satisfying homemade cooking experience. Get ready to impress your family with this surprisingly simple and incredibly flavorful meatloaf!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. Overmixing the ground beef is a common mistake that many home cooks make when making delicious dishes.
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Add the beaten egg, milk (or buttermilk), Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Again, gently combine until just mixed.
Step 3: Shaping and Baking the Meatloaf
Lightly grease a loaf pan (approximately 9x5 inches). Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into a loaf. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
Tips for Meatloaf Success:
- Don't overmix: Gentle mixing is key for a tender meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let it rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy meatloaf.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as BBQ sauce, brown sugar, or even a glaze.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This meatloaf without bread crumbs recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a great example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and nutritious, perfect for a satisfying quick dinner idea. Enjoy!