Description
Hearty old-fashioned skillet meatloaf brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, promising a nostalgic journey through classic American comfort food. Savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a glossy glaze create a satisfying meal that connects generations with one delicious slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (453 g) ground beef (85/15 for best flavor)
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Glaze Ingredients:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce)
- ½ teaspoon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture by soaking breadcrumbs in milk for one minute, allowing them to absorb liquid and create a tender texture.
- Incorporate ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Gently fold ingredients together using a light touch, ensuring the meat remains loose and tender without becoming compacted.
- Form the mixture into an oval-shaped patty approximately one-inch thick, designed to fit perfectly within a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet.
- Warm a tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium heat, creating an even cooking surface for the meatloaf.
- Carefully place the meat patty into the heated skillet, allowing it to develop a rich, golden-brown crust for 5-6 minutes on each side.
- Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard to create a tangy, caramelizing glaze.
- Generously brush the prepared glaze over the browned meatloaf, coating it evenly to enhance flavor and appearance.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the meatloaf to simmer and cook through for 10-15 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove from heat and let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Slice and serve alongside classic accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or buttered corn for a comforting, traditional meal.
Notes
- Choose ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure the meatloaf stays juicy and flavorful without becoming greasy.
- Mix ingredients gently and briefly to prevent the meatloaf from becoming tough, which happens when meat proteins are overworked.
- For a gluten-free option, swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the binding texture.
- Consider adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to boost nutrition and keep the meatloaf moist, especially when using leaner meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg