This easy recipe for Ina Garten’s meatloaf is a comforting dish that combines ground beef with flavorful ingredients for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for family dinners and can be served with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. You can customize it with your favorite seasonings or add-ins to suit your taste.
Comfort Food at Its Finest
Ina Garten’s Meatloaf (Easy Recipe) is a classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. This dish combines ground beef with a medley of ingredients, creating a hearty meal that is both comforting and fulfilling.
Perfect for family gatherings, this meatloaf can be paired with creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant green beans, making it a well-rounded option for any occasion. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this meatloaf lies in its straightforward ingredients. Ground beef serves as the foundation, complemented by breadcrumbs and finely chopped onions for texture and flavor. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup adds depth, while seasonings like garlic powder and thyme elevate the taste profile.
With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is accessible yet impressive, making it a go-to choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. The addition of ketchup on top not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautiful glaze that makes the meatloaf visually appealing.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing Ina Garten’s meatloaf is a breeze. Start by preheating the oven, then mix the ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. This step is crucial; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Once mixed, shape the meatloaf either in a loaf pan or freeform on a baking sheet. The final touch is spreading ketchup over the top, which caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a mouthwatering glaze.
Cooking to Perfection
Baking the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour ensures it cooks evenly while retaining its juiciness. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption. Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing is essential, as it helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender, juicy slice.
This resting period also gives you time to prepare your sides, ensuring everything is ready to serve simultaneously for a delightful family meal.
A Family Favorite
Serving this meatloaf on a rustic wooden cutting board adds a touch of charm to the dining experience. The warm, inviting setting enhances the meal, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also creates lasting memories around the dinner table. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite a delight.
Customizing Your Meatloaf
One of the great aspects of Ina Garten’s meatloaf is its versatility. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even vegetables. Chopped bell peppers or grated carrots can be excellent additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Experimenting with different toppings, such as barbecue sauce or a blend of spices, can also create a unique twist on this classic dish. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this meatloaf your own.
Simple Ina Garten’s Meatloaf Recipe
This meatloaf features a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, baked to perfection. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup ketchup for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.
- Add Topping: Spread the additional ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 slices
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
