Go Back
To make a great meatloaf, gather these key items: - 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 lb (450g) ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping) For a twist on your meatloaf, consider these: - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adding Parmesan gives a nice savory kick. You can mix it in with the other ingredients. Choose high-quality items for the best flavor: - Fresh ground beef and turkey: Look for lean cuts. - Whole-wheat breadcrumbs: They add texture and flavor. - Organic milk: This enhances the taste. - Fresh herbs: Always go for fresh parsley over dried. These choices make a big difference. Using quality products leads to a tastier meatloaf. Enjoy the process, and your dish will shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan. In a large bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground turkey. Make sure they blend well. In another bowl, soak 1 cup of breadcrumbs in 1/4 cup of milk for about 5 minutes. This helps the breadcrumbs soften and adds moisture. After soaking, add the breadcrumbs to the meat. Next, add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Then, toss in 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. For flavor, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you want, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix. Once mixed, shape the meat into a loaf in the pan. Now, it’s time to bake! Spread 1/2 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat and moist. After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is key. Resting helps the juices settle, making your meatloaf even more tender. When ready, slice and serve! For a great side, try mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. Enjoy your flavorful dinner! To keep your meatloaf tender and moist, use a mix of ground beef and turkey. This blend offers flavor and keeps it juicy. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for five minutes. This step adds moisture. Don't over-mix the ingredients. Mix until just combined to maintain tenderness. One common mistake is using too much filler. Stick to one cup of breadcrumbs. Another mistake is cooking at too high a temperature. Always bake at 350°F (175°C). Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is key. This waiting time helps juices settle. Adding grated Parmesan cheese can boost flavor. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. A splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce adds depth. Finally, topping with ketchup gives a sweet glaze. These simple tweaks can elevate your meatloaf to new heights. Pro Tips Let it Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moister and more flavorful slice. Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or vegetables to the meat mixture, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for added texture and taste. Perfect Portioning: For easy serving and meal prep, consider dividing the meat mixture into individual mini loaves before baking. They cook faster and are perfect for freezing. Experiment with Toppings: While ketchup is traditional, try using BBQ sauce, a balsamic glaze, or even a layer of cheese on top for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can easily change flavors in meatloaf. Swap ground beef for pork or chicken. This gives a new taste. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh kick. You can also mix in different spices. For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. Use crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. Love cheese? Toss in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a rich flavor. Classic meatloaf is simple and comforting. It usually has ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices. Gourmet meatloaf raises the bar. You can add fancy ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or truffle oil. Use gourmet sauces for a unique glaze. A balsamic reduction instead of ketchup can elevate the dish. You can also shape the meatloaf into mini loaves or muffins for a fun twist. These smaller versions cook faster and look cute on a plate. Want a meatless option? You can make a great veggie meatloaf. Use lentils or black beans as the base. Add oats or quinoa for texture. Chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots add more flavor. For binding, use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste without dairy. For a vegan glaze, mix maple syrup with ketchup. This adds sweetness and depth. To store your leftover meatloaf, first let it cool. Once it's at room temp, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the meatloaf fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, freezing is a great option. For freezing, slice the meatloaf first. This makes it easy to take out just what you need. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Meatloaf can be frozen for up to three months. Label your bags with the date for easy tracking. When it's time to enjoy your meatloaf again, the best way to reheat it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover it with a damp paper towel and heat for one minute at a time. Enjoy the tender, moist meatloaf just like when it was fresh! To keep your meatloaf moist, use a mix of ground meats. I like ground beef and turkey. Adding soaked breadcrumbs helps too. It holds in moisture. You can also add milk to your mixture. Eggs help bind the ingredients and add moisture. Avoid over-mixing the meat. This keeps the texture tender. Letting your meatloaf rest after baking also helps keep it juicy. The best meat combo is one part beef and one part turkey. This mix gives great flavor and texture. Beef adds richness, while turkey keeps it light. If you want a twist, try adding ground pork or lamb. Each meat brings its own taste. Experiment and find what you like best! Yes, you can add vegetables to your meatloaf! Finely chopped onions, carrots, or bell peppers work well. These add flavor and moisture. You can also mix in spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. Just make sure to chop them small. This way, they blend well with the meat mixture. Enjoy your flavorful twist! You now have the tools to make a great meatloaf. We covered essential ingredients and flavors to boost your dish. You learned step-by-step instructions for baking it right. I shared tips to keep your meatloaf tender and avoid common mistakes. You also discovered tasty variations for different diets. Lastly, we discussed best storage and reheating methods. With these tips, you can create a meatloaf everyone loves. Enjoy making and sharing this classic meal!

Savory & Succulent Meatloaf

A delicious and hearty meatloaf made with a blend of ground beef and turkey, seasoned to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground turkey. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes until they are softened.
  • Add the soaked breadcrumbs to the meat mixture, followed by the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.
  • If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor kick.
  • Using your hands (or a spatula), mix all the ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf form.
  • Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a flavorful glaze.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Slice the meatloaf and serve on a platter with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy!
Keyword beef, comfort food, meatloaf, turkey