Certainly! Here’s a few paragraphs about the history and popularity of the award-winning meatloaf recipe:
Meatloaf, a classic comfort food, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The concept of combining ground meat with various ingredients and seasonings can be traced back to ancient Roman cuisine. However, it was during the Great Depression in the United States that meatloaf gained popularity as an economical and filling dish. With the availability of affordable ground meat, families turned to meatloaf as a hearty meal that could stretch a limited budget. Over the years, meatloaf has evolved, and different variations have emerged, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and flavors.
The award-winning meatloaf recipe mentioned here has gained popularity for its exceptional taste and well-balanced flavors. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and garlic forms the foundation of the dish, providing a robust and savory base. The inclusion of eggs helps bind the ingredients together, while ketchup and Worcestershire sauce add a tangy and slightly sweet note. The addition of fresh parsley, dried thyme, and oregano lends herbaceous undertones, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
One of the reasons why this meatloaf recipe has received acclaim is its ability to deliver moist and tender results. The inclusion of milk in the mixture helps retain moisture during the cooking process, resulting in a succulent and juicy meatloaf. The glaze, made with ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, adds a delightful caramelized sweetness and a hint of tanginess to the dish. The glaze not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautiful, glossy finish on the meatloaf.
Due to its versatility and widespread appeal, meatloaf has remained a beloved comfort food around the world. Its ability to adapt to different flavor profiles and accommodate various dietary preferences has contributed to its enduring popularity. Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic family favorite or presented as an elegant dish at a gourmet event, the award-winning meatloaf recipe mentioned here is sure to satisfy both meatloaf enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Meat loaf
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs ground beef 85% lean
- 1 Cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 eggs beaten
- ¼ Cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ Cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 Tsp dried thyme
- 1 Tsp dried oregano
- 1 Tsp salt
- ½ Tsp black pepper
- ½ Cup milk
For the glaze:
- ½ Cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon for mixing.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the greased loaf pan. Press it down gently to ensure there are no air pockets and to shape it into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf, reserving the remaining half for later.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. After 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
