How to Make Best Meatloaf - A Step-by-Step Guide

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has been a staple in American homes for generations. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or a cozy weeknight meal. The best meatloaf is moist and flavorful, with a crispy crust and a juicy interior. It’s a dish that brings people together and evokes memories of home-cooked meals from childhood.

There are countless meatloaf recipes out there, but this one truly is the best. It’s a tried and true recipe that has bee...

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
  • 3 slices bread, toasted and crumbled
  • 7 buttery round crackers, crushed
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 ½ tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
  • ¼ cup milk, or as needed (Optional)
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 meatloaf

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Gather all ingredients.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook onion and garlic until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Combine onion and garlic mixture, beef, crumbled bread, crushed crackers, egg, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 can tomato sauce in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Gradually stir in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until mixture is moist, but not soggy.
  • Transfer the mixture to a 5x9-inch loaf pan.
  • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Continue baking 15 minutes, to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
  • Mix the remaining tomato sauce and ketchup in a small bowl. Pour over the top of the meatloaf, and continue baking for 10 minutes.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!
  • Nutrition

    213 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 76mg
    • Sodium: 649mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 9g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 18g
    • Vitamin C: 4mg
    • Calcium: 39mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 335mg