If you want a showstopper dish to host a party and also be a comfort food, meatloaf is the perfect dish for you. The tender texture and savory flavor make it everyone’s favorite.
However, the magic of the meatloaf lies in the meatloaf sauce. It enhances flavors and keeps the meatloaf moist and juicy. This yummy sauce can transform a standard meatloaf into a culinary masterpiece.
This article presents a homemade meatloaf recipe with the secret meatloaf sauce. Moreover, you will get special tips for juicy meatloaf at the end of this article. Therefore, read this article from the beginning to the end.
Why You Must Try this Recipe at Home?
Yes, getting store-bought meatloaf is convenient. On the other hand, preparing juicy meatloaf at home is quite difficult. But you should try the meatloaf at home because nothing can beat the taste and aroma of a homemade meatloaf recipe.
Store-bought meatloaf is expensive. Whereas, homemade meatloaf is affordable. Therefore, you can save money if you try it at home.
Meatloaf preparation is time-consuming, and the recipe is also complicated. Don’t panic. Our recipe will help you. Keep patience and follow our ingredients and steps to ensure a juicy meatloaf every time.
Meatloaf Ingredients and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution/Note |
| Ground beef | 1 lb. (450 grams) | Ground pork or turkey |
| Finely chopped onion | 1 small size | Green onion |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves | Garlic powder |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Regular breadcrumbs |
| Milk | ½ cup | Plant-based milk |
| Egg | 1 | Helps in emulsification |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | Optional for deep flavor |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Use according to your taste |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon | To taste |
| Ketchup | ½ cup | BBQ sauce |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | To balance the overall flavor |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | Optional, for a tangy flavor |
- Ground beef provides the main protein base and rich flavor.
- Onion adds moisture and mild sweetness.
- Garlic enhances the savory aroma and depth of flavor.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and keep it tender.
- Milk softens breadcrumbs and adds moisture.
- Egg binds all ingredients together and adds richness.
- Worcestershire sauce deepens the umami and savory taste.
- Salt enhances and balances overall flavor.
- Black pepper adds mild heat and spice.
- Ketchup forms a tangy, sweet glaze for the topping.
- Brown sugar balances acidity and caramelizes the glaze.
- Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
How to Make the Best Meatloaf Recipe: 6 Simple Steps
If you don’t have enough time on hand, don’t go for this recipe. You need enough time to make meatloaf at home. Before starting the process, control your mind and be patient. Then, follow our 6-step process.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Before starting the meatloaf preparation, preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C. It will save your time.
Step 2: Prepare the breadcrumbs
Now, start the meatloaf preparation by preparing the breadcrumbs.
- Take a large bowl.
- Mix the breadcrumbs and milk into the bowl.
- Let the breadcrumbs soak in milk for about 5 minutes.
- It will provide softness to the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat
It is the main step of the meatloaf recipe.
- Take another large bowl and combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, mixture of milk and breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and ground black pepper in the bowl.
- Mix them gently until combined perfectly.
- Then, rest the mixture for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, oil a baking pan nicely.
- After forming a nice mixture, shape it into a loaf on the baking pan.
Note: If the mixture becomes thin, you can add some extra breadcrumbs. And for a thick mixture, you can add an egg or extra milk.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce for Meatloaf
The meatloaf is ready to bake. But it’s time to prepare the magic sauce to enhance the taste of the meatloaf.
- Take a small bowl and combine ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (optional) into the bowl.
- Mix thoroughly using a spoon.
- The magic sauce is ready.
- Spread half of the sauce over the meatloaf.
Step 5: Bake
- Now, bake the meatloaf for 45 to 55 minutes in the preheated oven.
- In the middle of the baking, brush the remaining sauce over the top of the meatloaf. It helps to make the meatloaf juicy and tender.
- Check the internal temperature. If the internal temperature reaches 160°F or 71°C, the meatloaf is baked perfectly. Remove the meatloaf from the oven.
Step 6: Serve the Meatloaf
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting retains the juices.
- Then, serve the delicious baked meatloaf with fresh salads, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
Note: Use a dry and sharp knife to get perfect slices.
Special Tips for a Juicy Meatloaf
- Don’t over-mix the meatloaf ingredients. Overmixing may make the meat hard.
- Add moisture by adding soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and minced garlic. You can also add chopped capsicum.
- Bake the meatloaf perfectly. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F or 71°C. It helps to get a safe and juicy meatloaf. Microorganisms can remain active if the ultimate temperature is not attained.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to get the ultimate juicy meatloaf.
Meatloaf Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Ground Beef
- 1 Finely Chopped Onion Small sized
- 2 Cloves Minced Garlic
- 1 Cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1 Egg Large
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes in a large bowl.
- Add ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and ground black pepper in another bowl.
- Mix gently until just combined—don’t over-mix.
- Shape into a loaf and place on a lightly greased baking pan.
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to make the meatloaf sauce.
- Spread half of the sauce over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, brushing with the remaining sauce halfway through.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Then, remove the baked meatloaf from the oven.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Finally, serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, fresh salads, or roasted veggies.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Meatloaf is a protein-packed, delicious main dish. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner with comfort foods, the meatloaf could be a perfect choice.
The ultimate taste of the meatloaf depends on the magic meatloaf sauce. To reveal the secret of the meatloaf recipe, this article is appropriate.
Our recipe guarantees a juicy meatloaf with rich, tangy, and vibrant flavors. Therefore, you can follow our step-by-step homemade meatloaf recipe to prepare the best meatloaf.
FAQs
Can I Use BBQ Sauce Instead of Ketchup for Meatloaf?
Yes, you can use BBQ sauce for meatloaf. Actually, BBQ sauce is a great substitute to add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the meatloaf sauce that enhances the taste of the meatloaf. Additionally, it will provide a glaze to the meatloaf.
How Do I Make Meatloaf Sauce Thicker?
Ketchup is the base of the meatloaf sauce. So, it should not be thin at all. However, if you want to get thickened meatloaf sauce, you can simmer the sauce over low heat for a few minutes.
How Can I Store Homemade Meatloaf Sauce?
You can easily store the meatloaf sauce in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator. That’s how you can store the meatloaf sauce for up to a week or more.
