Savory Herb-Crusted Homestyle Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This savory herb-crusted homestyle meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful classic that comes together with fresh herbs and a tangy glaze. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it’s hearty, moist, and easy to prepare.

A close-up of two thick slices of meatloaf on a white plate, with the top slice showing a shiny, browned crust covered with red ketchup drizzled in lines and sprinkled green herbs. The inner layers of the meatloaf are light brown with visible green and orange bits, showing a moist texture. On top of the meatloaf is a small bunch of fresh green rosemary, and more rosemary sprigs are placed around the plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the bread crumbs absorb the milk and become mushy.
  3. Step 3: Add ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika to the bowl. Mix well using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are fully combined.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  6. Step 6: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Step 7: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra moisture, add a splash of beef broth or a handful of grated cheese to the mixture.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the meatloaf.
  • Use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available, but reduce the quantity by half to avoid overpowering the flavor.
  • Try topping the meatloaf with barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist.

Storage

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

How to Serve

A close-up of two thick rectangular slices of golden-brown meatloaf on a white plate, with the top layer showing a shiny red ketchup sauce applied in a loose zigzag, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The meatloaf’s texture looks moist and dense with visible green flecks of herbs inside. Fresh green rosemary sprigs rest on and around the meatloaf on a white marbled surface, adding a bright contrast, and one slice is partially cut to show the soft inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Shape and bake it just before serving for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers, oats, or even crushed cereal can be good substitutes for breadcrumbs to help bind the meatloaf.

Print
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Savory Herb-Crusted Homestyle Meatloaf Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Savory Herb-Crusted Homestyle Meatloaf features a flavorful blend of fresh herbs, ground beef, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Topping

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
  2. Soak Bread Crumbs: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the bread crumbs absorb the milk and become mushy, which helps keep the meatloaf moist.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Add the ground beef, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the soaked bread crumbs. Mix well using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are evenly combined, forming a cohesive mixture.
  4. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  5. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add a sweet and tangy glaze.
  6. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), indicating that the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  7. Rest: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain its juiciness and shape.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, thyme, and rosemary if fresh is not available.
  • For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or a mix of ground beef and ground turkey.
  • Leftover meatloaf slices can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: meatloaf, homestyle meatloaf, herb meatloaf, baked meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner

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