### **Old-Fashioned Meatloaf**
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### **Introduction**
Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is a comforting, hearty dish that has become a staple of classic American home cooking. It is a simple yet satisfying meal made from ground meat (often beef or a combination of beef and pork) mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. What sets this recipe apart is its timeless, flavorful combination of ingredients that bring out the best in the meat, creating a moist and delicious loaf. Typically served with mashed potatoes or vegetables, meatloaf evokes a sense of nostalgia and is often associated with family dinners, potlucks, and Sunday suppers.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
The origins of meatloaf trace back to the early 19th century, with roots in Europe, where it was common to combine ground meat with fillers like breadcrumbs or rice to stretch the portion size and make the meat go further. The dish gained widespread popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly during the Great Depression when frugality and maximizing ingredients were key to feeding families. Meatloaf became a household favorite because it was an affordable, hearty, and easy-to-make meal.
Over time, it evolved into the quintessential “comfort food” in American culture. While recipes vary, the meatloaf made today often features a tangy glaze made from ketchup or tomato sauce, giving it a signature flavor. The versatility of meatloaf has contributed to its enduring presence in family kitchens, with endless variations to suit individual tastes.
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### **Ingredients and Quantities**
#### **For the Meatloaf:**
– 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat)
– 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, for added flavor and moisture)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (or use cracker crumbs or panko for a different texture)
– 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
#### **For the Glaze (optional but recommended):**
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
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### **Optional Additions**
– **Vegetables:** Add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra moisture and nutrients.
– **Cheese:** Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy twist.
– **Herbs:** Fresh parsley, basil, or rosemary can be used in place of or in addition to dried thyme and oregano for more vibrant flavor.
– **Spices:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a slight kick, or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness.
– **Gravy:** If you prefer a richer dish, serve your meatloaf with a homemade brown gravy.
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### **Tips for Success**
1. **Choose the Right Meat:** For a moist and flavorful meatloaf, use a mixture of ground beef and pork. The beef provides flavor, while the pork adds juiciness.
2. **Don’t Overwork the Meat:** When mixing the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can result in a tough loaf, so mix until just combined.
3. **Use a Loaf Pan:** A loaf pan helps shape the meatloaf and ensures it cooks evenly, but if you don’t have one, you can form the loaf by hand on a baking sheet.
4. **Rest Before Slicing:** After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more flavorful and easier to cut.
5. **Glaze for Extra Flavor:** The glaze adds a delicious tangy sweetness and is essential for the classic meatloaf experience. Apply it about 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done to allow it to set and caramelize.
6. **Use a Meat Thermometer:** For optimal doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C) when the meatloaf is fully cooked.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the Meat Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
3. **Shape the Meatloaf:** Transfer the meat mixture to a lightly greased loaf pan, pressing it in to shape, or form a loaf on a baking sheet.
4. **Make the Glaze:** In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using). Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
5. **Bake:** Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. **Apply the Remaining Glaze:** About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, spread the remaining glaze over the top and return it to the oven.
7. **Rest and Serve:** Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or your favorite sides.
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### **Description**
Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying, comfort-filled meal. The ground beef and pork mixture is seasoned with classic herbs and spices, then baked in the oven until tender and juicy. The glaze, a sweet and tangy blend of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar, caramelizes over the top, creating a savory-sweet crust. The result is a perfectly balanced meatloaf that is juicy on the inside with a flavorful, slightly crispy exterior. It’s a nostalgic dish that delivers both comfort and flavor in every bite.
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### **Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1/8 of the meatloaf)**
*Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.*
– **Calories:** 300-350 kcal
– **Fat:** 20g
– Saturated Fat: 8g
– **Carbohydrates:** 20g
– Sugars: 8g
– Fiber: 2g
– **Protein:** 20g
– **Cholesterol:** 85mg
– **Sodium:** 600mg
– **Vitamin A:** 6% DV
– **Vitamin C:** 10% DV
– **Calcium:** 4% DV
– **Iron:** 15% DV
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### **Conclusion**
Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that provides both flavor and nutrition, making it ideal for family dinners or a cozy weeknight meal. The combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and baked with a tangy glaze, results in a savory, moist loaf that is perfect when paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. This dish, with its roots in American history, has stood the test of time for a reason—it’s just plain delicious.
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### **Recommendation**
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for families, but also makes great leftovers, as the flavor often intensifies the next day. You can customize it by adding extra vegetables, herbs, or cheese to suit your taste. For an even lighter version, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and pork. Either way, this meatloaf will be a crowd-pleaser.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is undoubtedly a rich, hearty dish, it can be made a bit healthier by incorporating leaner meats like turkey or chicken, using whole grain breadcrumbs, and reducing the sugar in the glaze. Serving it with a side of fresh vegetables or a leafy green salad can balance out the meal and add more fiber and nutrients. The key to healthful indulgence is moderation—enjoy this comfort food as part of a balanced diet, savoring the richness of the flavors while staying mindful of portion sizes.