Extensive Facebook research tells me that most of my acquaintances have no love for meatloaf. They say it’s mushy. It’s gross. It’s something they were force-fed as children, and therefore they have no desire to eat it as adults. I’ll admit it’s not the most attractive food in the world (brown food just doesn’t photograph well, unless it’s chocolate cake), but I stand by its deliciousness…and I’ll even declare it one of my favorite foods!
Unlike most kids, I actually looked forward to meatloaf night. A nice hunk of meatloaf with mashed potatoes and peas? Yes, please! It got even better the next day when my mom or grandpa would whip up a tasty hash of meatloaf and fried potatoes. Top that with ketchup and you’ll make me very happy, indeed.
Flavorwise, I consider meatloaf to be like a delicious baked hamburger, or a giant meatball – so it surprises me when people love those foods, yet hate meatloaf. My friend Susan said the mushiness makes it unlike any burger she’s ever eaten, and that it’s only good if you’re lucky enough to get a crusty end piece. There’s an easy solution to this problem: make individual loaves so every portion has a nice, crispy exterior and tender interior. Be a good kid and try it. Just one bite. For me.
Individual Meat Loaves
adapted from Ina Garten
1 pound ground beef*
1 medium onion, diced
1 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp chicken or beef broth
3 tbsp ketchup
1/4 c Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 c finely grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
Preheat the oven to 350.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet set over medium low heat. Add the onions, dried thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the onions for about 10 minutes, or until soft and translucent but not brown. Add the garlic during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Take the pan off the heat and add 1 tbsp ketchup, the Worcestershire sauce and the chicken or beef broth. Stir to combine and allow to cool slightly.
Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl and add the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion mixture and additional salt and pepper, to taste. Use a fork to lightly combine the mixture; do not mash, or the meat loaves will be tough. Form into two to three individual loaves, top with remaining ketchup, and place on a rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan that’s been coated with cooking spray. Bake the loaves for 40 to 45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 155 to 160 degrees. Allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
*Meat loaf is one recipe where I don’t use the leanest ground beef available – it makes the loaf a bit tough. I suggest 80/20 or 85/15 beef for this recipe, but use whatever kind you prefer.
i LOVE meatloaf! i totally used to hate it, and don’t know why, but the second time i tried it later in life i fell in love. i like the baked ketchup on top…yum!
Like you, my mom made amazing meatloaf when I was little and I looked forward to it. Then, I tried to make it myself and it was like a block of ground meat and totally nasty. I’m kinda scared of it at the moment. But there is nothing like a hot meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes!!!
That looks delicious! The dh would totally agree with you on meatloaf, even if your siblings don’t. And meatloaf hash sounds totally terrific today…might have to make some meatloaf tonight!
How can ANYONE not love meatloaf? They’re SO good and even better in a sandwich the day after! I recently made some Stuffed Meatloaf with a mixture of mushroom, onion and cheese in the middle of the loaf and it was the best!
I LOVE meatloaf and so does Shaun. It’s actually one of his favorite meal
It’s on the menu this week-let’s hope it’s good with quinoa instead of crackers/breadcrumbs.
Yum! I’ll be right over! Save me some!
Individual meatloafs is such a good idea! I have to admit, I hardly ever had it growing up, but I think I’d like it!
As I said on FB, I love me some meatloaf! We used to do meatloaf sandwiches the day after, with some american cheese on top of toasted bread. In fact, I had some when I went home for Christmas. Long live meatloaf! Sean might be forced to eat some this week as you inspired me to make it. With BISON!
We made meatloaf last week from the Eat Shrink and Be Merry cookbook… it was soo good!
[...] told Lu about 4 times that she was lucky to have such a good cook for a Mom. So contrary to popular belief meatloaf can be [...]
I love meatloaf, but the one in your picture looks like a burger without a bun. I want my meatloaf in the SHAPE of MEATLOAF!
(That kind of reminds me of a movie quote…I’ll refrain, though!) =)
You absolutely are not alone on this one. I *love* meatloaf. So much so that when my family was looking for a new Christmas Eve dinner tradition (because, as much as we love our Tex-Mex, fajitas just seemed wrong), meatloaf with loads of veggies was the easy winner. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
The zucchini looks tasty.
I tried this recipe last night and absolutely LOVE it!! thanks for sharing.
[...] isn’t the first time I’ve blogged about meatloaf. It is on track to edge out fried chicken as my favorite comfort food. I know…this is [...]