What is Meatloaf?
Meatloaf, a dish adored for its comforting flavors, has deep roots in Germany, Scandinavia, and Belgium. It started as a clever way to use leftover meat, evolving into a heartwarming favorite. Different regions put their own twist on it, making meatloaf a cherished symbol of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
Method
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, egg, milk, ½ cup of ketchup, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 ½ hours.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatloaf is baking, create a flavorful sauce. In a small bowl, mix together ¾ cup of ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended.
- Sauce and Finish: About halfway through the baking time, spread half of the sauce evenly over the meatloaf. Save the remaining sauce for later. Continue baking until the meatloaf is cooked through and has a beautiful glaze.
- Once done, allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier. Afterward, slice and serve your delicious meatloaf with the reserved sauce for dipping or topping. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
