Description
This classic meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with caramelized onions, cheese, and a flavorful mix of seasonings for a comforting, hearty meal. Topped with richly caramelized onions and baked to perfection, this meatloaf is moist, savory, and perfect for any dinner occasion. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for cooking onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature by the time your meatloaf is ready for baking.
- Prepare the Onion: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook slowly until caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic towards the last couple of minutes to soften and become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix the Meatloaf Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese until well incorporated into the meat mixture for added creaminess and flavor.
- Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it by hand into a loaf on a baking sheet. Press down firmly to ensure it holds together. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm. Pair it with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, a classic green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- Use fresh or day-old breadcrumbs for best texture and moisture absorption.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness and deepen flavor.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking for juicier slices.
- Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat either in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
- Feel free to experiment by adding herbs like thyme, parsley, or smoked paprika for variation.
