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- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup carrots, finely grated - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped - 2 large eggs These main ingredients form the heart of your meatloaf. The ground beef gives it rich flavor, while the turkey keeps it lean. Chopped onion and minced garlic add a savory depth. Grated carrots and celery bring sweetness and crunch. Breadcrumbs bind everything together, and eggs help hold the loaf’s shape. - 3 tablespoons ketchup (plus extra for topping) - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup milk - Salt and pepper to taste For seasonings, ketchup adds tang and moisture. Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor. Thyme and smoked paprika add warmth and aroma. Milk keeps the meatloaf moist, while salt and pepper enhance taste. This mix of flavors creates a classic taste in every slice. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garnishing with fresh parsley makes your meatloaf look beautiful. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Additional ketchup on top gives it a glossy finish and extra flavor. Serve it warm for a cozy touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the meatloaf evenly. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground turkey. The mix of meats gives flavor and texture. Now, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of finely grated carrots, and 1/2 cup of chopped celery. These veggies add moisture and sweetness. Use your hands to mix them well. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk and 2 large eggs. This mixture will help bind the meatloaf. Then, add 3 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mixing these wet ingredients creates a tasty sauce that enhances the meatloaf. Pour this mixture into the meat and veggie mix. Use your hands or a spoon to blend it all together. Now, shape the meat mixture into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or a baking dish. This helps it keep its shape. Take some extra ketchup and spread a thin layer over the top of the meatloaf. This adds a nice glaze and flavor. Bake your meatloaf in the oven for 1 hour. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 160°F (70°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps keep the juices inside. Slice it up and serve! To make the best meatloaf, you want it to be tender. Here are some tips: - Use a mix of meats: Combining ground beef and ground turkey gives a nice balance of flavor and texture. - Add moisture: Ingredients like milk and grated carrots keep the meatloaf soft. - Don’t over-mix: When you combine the ingredients, mix just enough to blend. Too much mixing can make it tough. To boost flavor, consider these ideas: - Add cheese: Mixing in shredded cheese can add richness. Try cheddar or mozzarella. - Incorporate fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, thyme, or basil can make a big difference in taste. - Experiment with breadcrumbs: Try panko for a crunchier texture or whole wheat for a healthier option. Resting your meatloaf is key. Here’s why: - Let it sit: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside when you slice it. For serving, consider these ideas: - Presentation matters: Serve slices on warm plates with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans. - Add color: Drizzle some ketchup on the plate for a pop of color and flavor. These tips will help you create a meatloaf that’s not just tasty, but also visually appealing. Enjoy the process and make it your own! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer ensures that your meatloaf is cooked perfectly and safe to eat. Add Flavor with Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile of your meatloaf, enhancing its homestyle taste. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to add variety and nutrition to the meatloaf. Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing prevents it from falling apart and helps retain its juices for a moist and flavorful dish. {{image_2}} You can switch the meat in your meatloaf. Ground chicken works well if you want a lighter dish. It has a mild taste that pairs nicely with spices. You can also use ground turkey, which is lean and healthy. If you prefer plant-based options, try lentils or chickpeas. These options are tasty and full of protein. They give a nice texture without meat. Adding veggies makes meatloaf more nutritious. You can mix in grated zucchini or bell peppers. They add moisture and flavor. Spinach is another great choice; it wilts down and blends in well. You can also add mushrooms for an earthy taste. Carrots and celery are classic, but don't be afraid to get creative. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. Meatloaf has many styles worldwide. In Italy, they make a dish called polpettone. It often includes herbs and cheese. In Germany, you might find meatloaf served with a sweet sauce. In Mexico, they use chili spices and add beans. Each version shows how different cultures enjoy this comfort food. Try these twists to explore new flavors in your own kitchen. To store leftovers in the refrigerator, first, let the meatloaf cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. If you have slices, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Always mark the date on the container to track freshness. Freezing meatloaf is easy and great for meal prep. First, let the meatloaf cool. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat meatloaf, use an oven for best flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry out the meatloaf. If using a microwave, add a splash of water and cover it with a microwave-safe lid. This helps keep the meatloaf moist. You should bake meatloaf for about one hour at 350°F (175°C). Check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C). This ensures the meatloaf is safe to eat. A good meatloaf has a nice, firm texture. If it feels soft, it may need more time. Yes, you can prepare meatloaf ahead of time. Mix the ingredients and shape the loaf. Cover it and place it in the fridge for a day. You can also freeze it before baking. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer. This saves time on busy days. Classic sides for meatloaf include: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Roasted carrots - Creamy coleslaw These sides add color and flavor to your meal. You can drizzle extra ketchup on the plate for a tasty touch. Enjoying these dishes with your meatloaf makes the meal even better! This guide covered everything you need for a great meatloaf. We explored key ingredients like beef, turkey, and vegetables. You learned how to mix wet ingredients and shape your loaf. Tips for perfect texture and flavor added depth to the recipe. In the end, meatloaf offers endless possibilities for variation and personalization. With these steps, you can make a delicious meal that will impress anyone. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don't hesitate to experiment for fun.

Hearty Homestyle Meatloaf

A comforting and delicious meatloaf made with a blend of ground beef and turkey, combined with vegetables and spices for a homestyle meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground turkey.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrots, and chopped celery to the meat mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the meat mixture and combine everything thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well blended.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased loaf pan or a baking dish.
  • Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor and a nice glaze.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the slices on a warm plate alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic homestyle meal. You can drizzle some additional ketchup on the plate for color and flavor contrast.
Keyword comfort food, homestyle, meatloaf