Description
Ever wondered how a humble dish like meat loaf can steal the show at dinner? Imagine slicing into a juicy, flavorful Best Ever Meat Loaf that’s packed with cheesy goodness and topped with a sweet-tangy glaze.
Ingredients
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the meat loaf together and add moisture. Substitution: Flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) for egg-free.
- Milk (⅔ cup): Soaks the bread to keep the loaf tender. Substitution: Non-dairy milk (almond, soy) or broth for dairy-free.
- Salt (2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors. Substitution: Reduce to 1 tsp for lower sodium.
- Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild kick. Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne for variety.
- Bread Slices (3, crumbled): Soaks up moisture and keeps the loaf soft. Substitution: ¾ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Ground Beef (1 ½ lbs): The hearty base. Use 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. Substitution: Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth. Substitution: 1 tsp onion powder or ½ cup shallots.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Brings a melty, savory surprise. Substitution: Mozzarella, Colby, or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
- Shredded Carrot (½ cup): Adds moisture and a hint of sweetness, plus vitamins. Substitution: Shredded zucchini (squeezed dry) or finely chopped bell pepper.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Creates a sweet, sticky glaze. Substitution: Honey or maple syrup.
- Ketchup (¼ cup): Adds tangy flavor to the glaze. Substitution: BBQ sauce or tomato paste with a splash of vinegar.
- Prepared Yellow Mustard (1 tbsp): Gives the glaze a zesty kick. Substitution: Dijon mustard or ½ tsp mustard powder.
Why These Ingredients Matter:
- Ground beef and eggs provide protein, making this a filling meal.
- Carrots add fiber and vitamin A for a nutritional boost.
- The glaze (brown sugar, ketchup, mustard) balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making the meat loaf stand out.
- Cheddar cheese adds indulgence and keeps the loaf moist.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep (5 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Gather all ingredients: eggs, milk, salt, pepper, bread, ground beef, onion, Cheddar, carrot, brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard.
- Crumble the bread slices into small pieces and chop the onion. Tip: Use a box grater to shred the carrot quickly and evenly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients (3 minutes):
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, ⅔ cup milk, 2 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Add the crumbled bread and stir until it dissolves into a mushy paste. Tip: Let the bread soak for a minute to ensure it fully absorbs the liquid.
- Combine the Meat Mixture (5 minutes):
- Add 1 ½ lbs ground beef, chopped onion, 1 cup shredded Cheddar, and ½ cup shredded carrot to the bowl.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—don’t overmix, or the loaf will be dense.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf. Tip: Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray for easy removal.
- Make the Glaze (2 minutes):
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup ketchup, and 1 tbsp mustard until smooth.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meat loaf. Tip: Use a spoon or brush to spread the glaze for a neat finish.
- Bake the Meat Loaf (60-75 minutes):
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, until the center is no longer pink.
- Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer—it should read at least 160°F (70°C). Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 45 minutes.
- Rest and Serve (5 minutes):
- Remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Tip: Use a serrated knife for clean slices.