Retro Comfort Meatloaf Dinner
This Retro Comfort Meatloaf Dinner recipe brings back nostalgic flavors with a classic beef and pork blend, savory glaze, and simple preparation for a satisfying family meal.
Equipment
- large bowl
- skillet
- loaf pan
- whisk
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 blend recommended
- 0.5 lb Ground Pork
- 1 cup Plain, dry Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Whole Milk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 medium Onion finely diced
- 3 Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 tsp Dried Thyme or Oregano Optional
Glaze
- 0.5 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting them sit for 5-10 minutes until softened into a paste.
- Heat oil in a skillet, sauté diced onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic for another minute until fragrant; let cool slightly.
Mixing and Forming
- Add ground beef, ground pork, softened breadcrumb mixture, cooled onion and garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional herbs to the large bowl.
- Gently mix all ingredients with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or form the mixture into a free-form loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing gently but not too tightly if using a pan.
Glaze and Baking
- Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth, then spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
- Remove meatloaf, spread remaining glaze, and bake for another 15-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- After baking, let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For best results, do not overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can lead to a tough texture. Letting it rest after baking is crucial for juicy slices and easier handling.