Classic Comfort Meatloaf 🍖🥕

There's nothing quite like a classic meatloaf for a cozy family dinner! This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to bring smiles to the dinner table. With a mix of savory vegetables and a sweet glaze, each slice is deliciously hearty and comforting. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love! 🍽️

Ingredients

For the meatloaf

• 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
• 1 rib celery, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 onion, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
• 4 white mushrooms, coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the glaze

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Hot pepper sauce to taste

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).

• Prep the vegetables: In a food processor, pulse the carrot, celery, onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic until very finely chopped, almost to a puree.

🔪 This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies if you have picky eaters—they won't even notice!

• Mix the minced vegetables in a large bowl with the ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and beaten egg. Add the Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix gently with a wooden spoon.

• Incorporate the bread crumbs using your hands, mixing until just combined—about 1 minute. Avoid overmixing; you want a tender meatloaf!

• Shape the mixture into a ball, then place it in a baking dish greased with olive oil. Form it into a loaf shape about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.

• Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.

• Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves.

• Glaze the meatloaf: After 15 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze on top, letting it drip down the sides.

• Continue baking until the meatloaf is no longer pink inside (about 30-40 more minutes). An instant-read thermometer should read at least 160°F (70°C).

🕒 Cooking times may vary based on shape and thickness. Always check for doneness!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair slices of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic dinner experience.
• Leftovers make great sandwiches! Just slice and add your favorite condiments on bread for a tasty lunch option. 🥪

Variations

• Turkey Meatloaf: Swap the ground chuck for ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheese of your choice for a gooey, cheesy center.
• Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free oats or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Enjoy your delightful meatloaf masterpiece! 🥳