Glazed Meatloaf
Instead of a foil-covered baking sheet, I used a cast iron pan.
Instead of a foil-covered baking sheet, I used a cast iron pan.
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 onion chopped fine
- 2 teaspoons oil, vegetable
- 2/3 cup ritz crackers crushed
- 1/3 cup whole milk or half-n-half
- 1 pound ground beef 90%
- 3/4 teaspoons ground pepper
- 2/3 cup barbeque sauce
- Carbohydrate 29.3810666154006 g
- Cholesterol 137.777603866667 mg
- Fat 31.0209405487131 g
- Fiber 1.49452586476232 g
- Protein 31.0446080801335 g
- Saturated Fat 10.6252730094726 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (242g)
- Sodium 401.764661685008 mg
- Sugar 27.8865407506383 g
- Trans Fat 3.5390234432753 g
- Calories 528 calories
Step-by-step
- COOK VEGETABLES: Line rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray. Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook onion until golden, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to large bowl and cool.
- PROCESS MEAT: Process saltines and milk in food processor until smooth. Add beef and pork and pulse until well combined, about 10 1-second pulses. Transfer meat mixture to bowl with cooled onion mixture. Add egg, egg yolk, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to bowl and mix with hands.
- BROIL: Adjust oven racks to upper (about 4 inches away from element) and middle positions and heat broiler. Transfer meat to baking sheet and shape into a 9x5 loaf. Broil on upper rack until well browned about 5 minutes. Brush 2 tablespoons of barbeque sauce over top and sides of loaf, then return to oven and broil until sauce begins to brown, about 2 minutes.
- BAKE: Transfer meatloaf to middle rack and brush with remaining sauce. Reduce oven temp to 350 degrees and bake until meatloaf registers 160 degrees, 40-45 minutes. Transfer to carving board, tent with foil and let rest 20 minutes. Slice and serve, passing remaining sauce at table.
My Go-To Glazed Meatloaf Recipe: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can often feel like a Herculean task. But there’s one recipe that consistently comes to my rescue: glazed meatloaf. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even on the most hectic of evenings. This isn't just any meatloaf; it's a tender, juicy masterpiece with a perfectly balanced glaze that elevates the entire dish. The secret? A cast iron pan instead of the usual baking sheet - it contributes to a beautifully browned exterior and a wonderfully moist interior.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different spices, add in some chopped vegetables for extra nutrition, or even change up the glaze. One time, I swapped the barbecue sauce for a sweet and spicy chili glaze – it was a huge hit! This meatloaf is a blank canvas for culinary creativity, letting you express your personal touch while delivering a consistently excellent result.
The process itself is quite straightforward. After a quick prep of the ingredients – chopping onions and garlic, crushing crackers, and mixing the meat – the bulk of the cooking happens in the oven. While it’s baking, I usually use the opportunity to catch up on emails, spend some quality time with my kids, or simply relax with a cup of tea. It's a recipe that empowers you to manage your time effectively without sacrificing flavour.
The aroma that fills the kitchen while the meatloaf is baking is divine. It's the kind of smell that instantly invites everyone to the table, making dinner time a cherished family event. The final product is a showstopper; a glorious, glistening loaf of meaty goodness. Sliced and served with a generous drizzle of the remaining glaze, it's a dish that satisfies the most discerning palates. My kids, even the picky eaters, devour this meatloaf without a second thought. It’s become a firm family favourite, and I wouldn’t hesitate to serve it to guests.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this glazed meatloaf recipe offers a significant advantage: leftovers are fantastic! The flavours deepen upon sitting, making the second day’s meal even more enjoyable. I often make a double batch to ensure we have enough leftovers for lunches throughout the week. This strategic planning not only reduces my cooking workload but also eliminates the stress of coming up with lunch ideas for busy weekdays.
In conclusion, this glazed meatloaf recipe is a true lifesaver for busy individuals and families alike. It’s a simple, flavorful, and time-efficient meal that never fails to impress. The cast iron pan method adds an extra touch of magic, creating a stunningly beautiful and exceptionally tasty dish. It’s a recipe I’ve perfected over years, and I'm confident it will become a staple in your kitchen too.
Beyond the Recipe: The true joy of cooking isn't just about the finished product; it's about the journey. It's about creating memories with family, exploring new flavors, and finding a little peace in the everyday chaos of life. This meatloaf recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of nourishment, comfort, and love – a delicious tribute to the simple pleasures of home-cooked food.
Variations to Explore:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
- Herb Garden Delight: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Glaze Variations: Try a different glaze, such as a sweet and sour sauce, a teriyaki glaze, or even a homemade mushroom gravy.
- Gourmet Twist: Use high-quality ground meats, such as organic or grass-fed beef and pork, for an elevated flavor experience.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and satisfying meal, reach for this glazed meatloaf recipe. It’s a culinary hug in a pan, guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to your table.
