Best Meatloaf We've Ever Made
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
80% to 85% lean, 450g
- 2 tablespoons butter
28g
- 2 cups finely chopped cremini mushrooms
8 ounces
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 medium onion
- 1 large shallot
finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
minced, 1 tablespoon
- 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
optional
- 1/2 cup finely crushed saltine crackers
12 to 15 crackers
- 1/4 cup milk
60ml
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon mustard
whole-grain or Dijon
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or Pickapeppa sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
try homemade ketchup, 125g
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard
whole-grain or Dijon
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or Pickapeppa sauce
Directions
- 1
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, cover with a lid or tent with foil, and cook for 5 minutes.
- 2
Uncover the pan and add the onion, shallot, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 10 minutes.
- 3
Add the red bell pepper, garlic, and Cajun seasoning and cook until the bell pepper is soft, about 5 minutes more. Cool for 10 minutes.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled mushroom mixture, saltine crackers, milk, egg, egg yolk, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until the mixture looks well blended.
- 5
Form the meatloaf into a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- 6
Make the meatloaf glaze by stirring ketchup, maple syrup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- 7
Spread the glaze over the meatloaf. Refrigerate while the oven preheats (5 to 10 minutes in the fridge helps firm up the meatloaf before baking).
- 8
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 9
Bake the meatloaf for 45 to 55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- 10
Let rest on the counter for 10 minutes before slicing (I use a serrated bread knife for clean slices).
Best Meatloaf We've Ever Made
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About this Recipe
Tired of dry, bland meatloaf? This recipe for the Best Meatloaf We've Ever Made promises a truly juicy and tender experience, topped with an irresistible sweet and sticky glaze that will make it an instant family favorite.
Why This Meatloaf Works So Well
The secret to this meatloaf's incredible moisture and rich flavor lies in a unique blend of finely chopped cremini mushrooms, onion, shallot, and red bell pepper. These vegetables add depth and ensure a truly juicy result without relying solely on fat. Paired with milk, a combination of egg and egg yolk, and finely crushed saltine crackers, these ingredients work synergistically to create a perfectly tender crumb that holds its shape beautifully. The irresistible sweet and sticky glaze, a careful balance of ketchup, maple syrup, mustard, and Worcestershire, elevates every bite.
What to Expect from Your Meatloaf
Prepare for a comforting classic that truly delivers on its promise. You'll savor a remarkably juicy and tender meatloaf, thanks to the thoughtful incorporation of finely chopped vegetables and a balanced blend of binders. Each slice reveals a moist interior, brimming with savory flavors deepened by the ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of mustard and Worcestershire sauce. The star, however, might just be the glaze—a rich, sweet, and sticky topping that caramelizes beautifully, adding an irresistible tangy counterpoint to the savory meat. This is a satisfying meal designed to impress with its depth of flavor and comforting appeal.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also experiment with the type of mustard used, choosing between whole-grain or Dijon for subtle flavor variations in both the meatloaf mix and the glaze. For a different savory depth, you can swap Worcestershire sauce for Pickapeppa sauce as listed.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.