If you have been searching for a comforting, classic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, Ina Garten’s Meatloaf (Easy Recipe) Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This dish brings together juicy ground beef, the savory depth of caramelized onions, and a perfect balance of herbs and tangy Worcestershire sauce, all baked to perfection under a glossy ketchup topping. The best part? It’s incredibly straightforward to make, yet impressively delicious and hearty enough to satisfy the whole family or your closest friends. I can’t wait to share every detail about this crowd-pleaser with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Ina Garten’s Meatloaf (Easy Recipe) Recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, moisture, and texture that make this meatloaf truly exceptional. From the aromatic onions to the savory Worcestershire sauce, every component comes together effortlessly.
- Olive oil: Used to gently sauté the onions and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Large yellow onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth with a tender texture after cooking.
- Salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors evenly.
- Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and earthiness.
- Dried thyme: Introduces a fragrant herbal note that ties everything together.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness and a hint of tangy complexity.
- Chicken stock: Keeps the meat mixture moist and flavorful.
- Tomato paste: Contributes a deep, sweet tomato flavor without overwhelming the meatloaf.
- Ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavorful meatloaf that’s not dry.
- Plain dry breadcrumbs: Help hold the loaf together and maintain moisture without heaviness.
- Large eggs (lightly beaten): Act as a binding agent to keep everything in harmony.
- Ketchup (for topping): Creates a glossy, tangy crust that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Ina Garten’s Meatloaf (Easy Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Base
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onions with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Let them cook gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant but not browned. This slow cooking really unlocks their natural sweetness and lays a flavorful foundation for the meatloaf.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Mixture
Once the onions are softened, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Mix everything well and allow this mixture to cool slightly before combining it with the meat. Cooling prevents the eggs in the next step from cooking prematurely, ensuring the perfect texture.
Step 3: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, lightly beaten eggs, and the cooled onion mixture. Use a fork to gently mix everything—be careful not to overwork the meat, or the meatloaf could become dense and tough. The goal is to combine, not to knead!
Step 4: Shape and Top the Meatloaf
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and shape the mixture into an even loaf. Smooth the surface and then spread a thin, even layer of ketchup over the top. This will bake into a shiny, flavorful glaze that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This ensures your meatloaf is perfectly cooked through but still juicy. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
How to Serve Ina Garten’s Meatloaf (Easy Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your meatloaf with fresh garnishes elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Consider a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich meatloaf.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make an ideal canvas for this meatloaf, soaking up every savory bite. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad add texture and balance, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn slices of this meatloaf into hearty sandwiches on crusty rolls with melted cheese and tangy mustard or mayonnaise. Or, for a cozy dinner party, serve individual mini loaves in muffin tins for perfectly portioned servings that look charming on any plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover the meatloaf tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days and is a perfect quick meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
You can freeze either the whole cooked meatloaf or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a covered microwave-safe dish or in a low oven (about 325°F) covered with foil to keep the meat moist. Heat until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes in the microwave or 15-20 minutes in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option but may require less baking time and a touch more seasoning to keep the meatloaf flavorful and moist.
What’s the secret to a moist meatloaf?
Using an 80/20 ground beef blend delivers enough fat to keep the meatloaf juicy, and the combination of sautéed onions, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken stock adds moisture and flavor.
Do I need to use ketchup on top?
The ketchup creates a classic sweet and tangy glaze, but you can swap it for barbecue sauce or tomato-based chili sauce to tailor the flavor to your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your Worcestershire sauce and other packaged ingredients to ensure they contain no gluten.
How do I know when my meatloaf is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F at the thickest part. This guarantees safety and optimal juiciness.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten’s Meatloaf (Easy Recipe) Recipe is one of those dishes that blends nostalgia with undeniable deliciousness, made effortlessly in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty, satisfying dinner, this meatloaf delivers every single time. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that feels homemade with every bite.
Print
Ina Garten’s Meatloaf (Easy Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ina Garten’s Meatloaf is a classic, easy-to-make comfort food recipe that features a juicy and flavorful ground beef loaf topped with ketchup. This recipe balances savory seasonings and moist texture, baked to perfection for a satisfying main course that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Cook the Onions: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until onions are soft and translucent but not browned.
- Add Sauces and Stock: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste to the onions. Mix well and let the mixture cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when added to the meat.
- Combine Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and the cooled onion mixture. Mix gently with a fork just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a parchment-lined sheet pan for easy handling and clean-up.
- Add the Topping: Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This adds flavor and helps keep it moist while baking.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture for a juicy meatloaf.
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute; however, reduce baking time and increase seasoning to maintain flavor and moistness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute plain dry breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
