Description
Comforting classic stovetop meatloaf brings hearty American home cooking to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Home cooks can easily prepare this simple yet satisfying meal that delivers rich flavor and nostalgic charm in just one pan.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (80/20)
- 0.5 pound (½ lb) ground pork (optional)
- 1 large egg
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 0.5 cup milk
Herbs, Seasonings, and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Glaze:
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly incorporate ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, finely diced onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Gently fold ingredients together until just harmonized, being cautious not to overwork the mixture to preserve its delicate texture.
- Carefully mold the meat mixture into an elongated loaf, sculpting it to approximately 8 inches in length and 4 inches in width, ensuring a uniform shape for consistent cooking.
- Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet over medium flame. Delicately transfer the assembled loaf into the heated pan, allowing it to develop a robust, golden-brown crust by searing for 3-4 minutes on each side. Utilize a sturdy spatula to maneuver the loaf with precision.
- Craft a vibrant glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until the mixture achieves a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Generously brush half of the prepared glaze across the surface of the meatloaf, creating a lustrous coating.
- Reduce the stovetop temperature to low, then encase the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the meatloaf to simmer and cook thoroughly for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (71C).
- Remove the lid, apply the remaining glaze, and incrementally raise the heat to medium. This final step will create a beautifully caramelized exterior with rich, deep flavors.
- Remove from heat and permit the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. Slice and present alongside creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or your preferred accompaniments.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, less greasy meatloaf texture.
- Grate the onion instead of chopping for more even distribution and better moisture throughout the meat mixture.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs over store-bought for a softer, more tender meatloaf that holds together perfectly.
- Experiment with alternative protein options like ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this classic dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg