Name: You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef; 1 large onion (thinly sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups breadcrumbs; 1 cup milk; 1 egg; ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This classic meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a blend of savory seasonings. Baked to perfection, it offers a moist, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enhanced with a simple tomato paste glaze and enriched with soy and Worcestershire sauces, this meatloaf delivers comforting tastes with a gourmet touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 large onion (thinly sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 cup milk
1 egg
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
Prepare the Onion: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic near the end of cooking and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
Mix the Meatloaf Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined but do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
Add Cheese: Fold the shredded cheese into the meatloaf mixture evenly, distributing it throughout for melty pockets of flavor.
Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Press down firmly to hold its shape. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the top of the loaf to add sweetness and moisture.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). This ensures the meat is safely cooked yet juicy. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the meatloaf with complementary sides such as roasted vegetables (carrots, celery, Brussels sprouts), a classic green salad with vinaigrette, or creamy mashed potatoes or pasta for a hearty meal.
Storage and Reheating: After cooling completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Notes

Use whole milk for best moisture; low-fat milk can be substituted but may result in a firmer texture.
Caramelize onions slowly over low-medium heat to develop rich sweetness without burning.
Feel free to customize seasoning with herbs like thyme, parsley, or smoked paprika for added depth.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
Leftover meatloaf freezes well when wrapped tightly and can be frozen up to 3 months.