Ina Garten’s Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

Ina Garten’s Meatloaf is a comforting classic that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. This recipe blends rich flavors and tender textures, making it a perfect dinner for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 pounds ground chuck
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup ketchup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until the onions become translucent, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste with the onion mixture. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, the cooled onion mixture, bread crumbs, and beaten eggs. Gently mix with a fork until just combined.
5. Step 5: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on the prepared sheet pan. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
7. Step 7: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
• Use panko bread crumbs instead of regular for a lighter texture.
• Swap ground chuck with a blend of beef and pork for a richer taste.
• Try adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for added moisture and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground chuck with ground turkey, chicken, or a mixture of beef and pork. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require a little extra moisture to keep the meatloaf tender.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat and juicy.

Ina Garten’s Classic Meatloaf Recipe

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5 from 140 reviews

Ina Garten’s Meatloaf is a cozy classic American dinner recipe that combines caramelized onions, ground chuck, and a flavorful mixture, baked to perfection with a tangy ketchup topping. This comforting dish serves 6 slices and is perfect for a hearty family meal.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 slices 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 medium Yellow onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground

For the Meat Mixture

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup Chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 pounds Ground chuck
• 1 cup Bread crumbs
• 2 large Eggs, beaten

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup Ketchup

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
2. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions, thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Combine Onion Mixture: Add Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste to the skillet with onions. Stir well and remove from heat to let it cool slightly.
4. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck, the cooled onion mixture, bread crumbs, and beaten eggs. Gently mix with a fork until everything is evenly incorporated but not overworked.
5. Shape and Top: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared sheet pan. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf as a flavorful glaze.
6. Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Slice into 6 portions and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• Make sure not to overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender.
• Using a meat thermometer ensures the perfect doneness and safety of the meat.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: Ina Garten meatloaf, classic meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf, comfort food, American dinner, easy meatloaf