Ina Garten’s Meatloaf (Easy Recipe)

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Ina Garten’s Meatloaf is a mix of homey comfort and her simple, yummy cooking style. You can easily get its key parts: ground chuck, bread crumbs, eggs, and ketchup. This makes it great for a warm, easy meatloaf recipe you’ll love.

This meatloaf also has yellow onions, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s known for being tasty among comfort food recipes. The recipe is clear and open for changes based on what you have. Using a lean ground beef rather than beef chuck won’t change its goodness.

Ina Garten likes Heinz ketchup and Progresso bread crumbs for quality. Yet, you can use what you have. This lets you serve up homestyle cooking with what’s already in your pantry.

Ingredients List & How To Make It

Making Ina Garten’s meatloaf is simple. It just needs a few basic, top-notch ingredients. Plus, a couple of steps from the expert to ensure it tastes like home. Here’s what you start with:

1. 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck
2. 1/2 pound ground veal
3. 1/2 pound ground pork
4. 1 cup chopped yellow onions
5. 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
6. 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
7. 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
8. 3/4 cup ketchup
9. 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
10. 3 extra-large eggs, beaten
11. 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

Now, let’s get cooking with Ina Garten’s easy meatloaf recipe. Follow these steps one by one.

1. Preheat your oven Always start at 325°F. It bakes it all nice and even. And keeps the goodness inside.

2. Blend the ingredients First, cook the onions with salt, pepper, and thyme in a bit of oil until soft. Set them to cool a bit before mixing with the meats. This keeps the eggs from partially cooking.

3. Combine the meats start with the cooked onion mix in a large bowl. Add the ground meats, bread crumbs, ketchup, eggs, and Worcestershire. Gently mix everything together.

4. Shape the meatloaf Mold it into a loaf shape without pressing too much. It stays tender that way.

5. Use a water bath Add a dish of water to the oven. This stops the meatloaf from drying out and cracking.

6. Bake and serve It bakes for 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Afterward, let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.

With Ina Garten’s advice, you can make a marvelous meatloaf. It’s perfect for any time you want home-cooked flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Making the perfect meatloaf is more than following a basic recipe. Try some cooking tips to take it to the next level. For a different taste, use barbecue sauce or a mix of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.

It’s crucial to be careful during the meatloaf preparation. Over-mixing makes it tough. Lightly mix the ingredients. Adding garlic or Creole seasoning can make it tastier. You can also try mixing different meats, like pork or turkey.

One big kitchen hack is to set your oven right. Start with a high heat, then lower it. This makes a nice crust but keeps it moist inside.

For mixing and forming the meatloaf, be smart. Cool sautéed onions a bit before mixing them. Always shape the meatloaf with wet hands to avoid sticking. These cooking tips ensure you get a tasty and good-looking meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions

The richness of Ina Garten’s Meatloaf goes well with many sides. It makes complete meals. For a classic combo, eat it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic ones. Green veggies, like spinach or green beans, add a fresh touch.

Garten suggests trying mac and cheese with the meatloaf. It’s a tasty match. For something light, a Caesar salad is great. Adding charred Brussels sprouts or carrots brings color and texture.

Make meals full with more than just veggies. Try different sauces to put on the meatloaf. This can be fun. Spicy Sriracha mayo or balsamic glaze can make it really tasty. For a global flavor, serve creamy polenta or herb rice with the meal.

Finding the right sides makes the meatloaf meal perfect. You can stick with usual favorites or try new things. Either way, it’s sure to be tasty for everyone.

How to Store

To keep Ina Garten’s Meatloaf tasty, use the right storage steps. First, let your meatloaf cool. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. This keeps it moist and not dry.

For eating the leftovers soon, put them in the fridge. To keep it longer, freeze your wrapped meatloaf. It will last for three months like this.

To reheat, keep that flavor and juice. Microwave slices from the fridge with a wet paper towel. Or bake it at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the fridge first. Then, use the baking method for the best taste.

Knowing when food goes bad is crucial. If your meatloaf smells odd, feels weird, or has mold, don’t eat it. This way, you can enjoy the comfort food of Ina Garten’s Meatloaf anytime. It’s about keeping food safe and still delicious, making your meal plans fun and stress-free.