Description

Ever wondered how to make a meat loaf so juicy and flavorful it becomes the star of your dinner table? The Best Ever Meat Loaf is your answer! This classic dish is like a warm hug in food form—perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With a tangy, sweet glaze and a tender, cheesy inside, it’s easy to see why this recipe is a favorite.

Ingredients

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For the Meat Loaf:
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 slices bread, crumbled
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded carrot
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard

Why These Ingredients Matter

Eggs and Milk: Bind the meat loaf and keep it moist.
Bread Crumbs: Soaked in milk, crumbled bread adds softness and helps hold the loaf together.
Ground Beef: The star ingredient, providing hearty flavor and protein. Use 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Onion and Carrot: Add sweetness, moisture, and a bit of crunch. Carrots also sneak in some veggies!
Cheddar Cheese: Melts inside for a gooey, savory surprise.
Brown Sugar, Ketchup, and Mustard: Create a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes into a delicious crust.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Milk: Use almond milk or water for a dairy-free version.
Bread: Substitute with ¾ cup breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or rolled oats.
Cheese: Try mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Skip for a dairy-free loaf.
Carrot: Replace with shredded zucchini or finely chopped bell peppers.
Glaze: Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist, or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or oats for the binder.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Crumble 3 slices of bread into small pieces.
Chop the onion finely and shred the carrot (a box grater works great).
Gather eggs, milk, cheese, and glaze ingredients.

Tip: Prepping everything first makes mixing quick and easy!

Step 2: Mix the Meat Loaf

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, ⅔ cup milk, 2 teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Add Bread: Stir in the crumbled bread and let it soak until it dissolves into the mixture (about 1-2 minutes).
Mix in Beef and Veggies: Add 1 ½ pounds ground beef, chopped onion, 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup shredded carrot. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined.

Tip: Don’t overmix—it can make the meat loaf tough. Mix until everything is evenly blended.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Press it gently to form an even loaf, but don’t pack it too tightly.
If you don’t have a loaf pan, shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Tip: A loaf pan keeps the shape neat and catches drippings, but a freeform loaf gets a crispier crust.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup ketchup, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard until smooth.
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meat loaf.

Tip: Save a little glaze to brush on halfway through baking for an extra sticky crust.

Step 5: Bake

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the center is no longer pink and an instant-read thermometer reads at least 160°F (70°C).

Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 45 minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the meat loaf rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and keeps it juicy.