How To Make Meatloaf
Instructions
Step 1: Mix it Up
Before you do any mixing, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
If you are making your own bread crumbs, place bread in your food processor until crumbs have formed.
In a small mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk.
In a large mixing bowl, combine meat, onion, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Some like to add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard as a substitute for garlic.
Add the bread-milk mixture to your large bowl, and mix gently with a fork, or use your hands.
Step 2: Place in Pan and Add Topping
Place your mixture into a buttered loaf pan, or you can form it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Brush remaining ketchup over the top of your meatloaf, or wait to brush it on during baking.
You might also like to add bacon to the top of your meatloaf: 4 strips will be enough.
Alternatively, finely grated cheddar cheese can be a delicious topping, try mixing 1/2 cup into your final mixture and then sprinkling another 1/2 cup on top before baking.
Step 3: Bake
It's time to put your meatloaf in the oven.
Bake your meatloaf for 45-55 minutes.
When done, your meatloaf will start to pull slightly away from the pan.
You can also use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature.6 Your thermometer should read 160 degrees if your meatloaf is done.7
You may wish to brush ketchup over the top of your meatloaf twice while baking.7
Be sure to let meatloaf rest after removing it from the oven so its juices will redistribute.
