Are you ready to discover the most mouthwatering, soul-warming meat loaf recipe that has been passed down through generations? Gran Ellen's Meat Loaf isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. This classic American dish promises to be the star of your dinner table, delivering rich, hearty flavors that transport you straight to grandma's kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, gently pressing it down to create an even surface. Shape the meat into a uniform loaf shape, ensuring it fills the pan completely.
- Optional: Create a glaze by mixing additional ketchup or barbecue sauce on top of the meat loaf for extra flavor and moisture.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-65 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure the ground beef is fully cooked.
- Remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and easier to slice.
- Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan before slicing. Cut the meat loaf into 1-inch thick slices and serve hot with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the juiciest results.
- Don't overmix the ingredients—gently combine to keep the meat loaf tender.
- Let the meat loaf rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and easier slicing.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the perfect doneness at 160°F.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different glazes like barbecue sauce or a tangy ketchup mixture.
- Consider adding finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
- Prepare extra—this meat loaf tastes even better as leftovers and makes incredible sandwiches!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
