If you’re craving a cozy, comforting, and utterly delicious dinner, look no further than Ina Garten’s Easy Meatloaf Recipe. This classic dish transforms simple ingredients into a juicy, flavorful meatloaf that’s perfect for a family night or a casual gathering. The combination of tender ground chuck, sweet onions, and a tangy ketchup glaze creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet that makes each bite a little celebration of homestyle goodness. Ina’s approach is straightforward, making it a go-to recipe that anyone can master with ease and confidence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from building texture to layering flavor. Together, they create a harmonious meatloaf that’s juicy and packed with character.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the onions to bring out their sweetness.
- 3 cups finely chopped yellow onions (3 onions): The star aromatic that adds depth and moisture to the meatloaf.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme: Infuses a delicate herbal note that brightens the savory flavors.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a perfect bite of spice without overpowering.
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a complex umami richness that takes the meatloaf to the next level.
- 1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth: Keeps the meat moist and tender while baking.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, balancing sweetness and acidity.
- 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81% lean): Provides the optimal fat content for juicy, flavorful meatloaf.
- 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs: Binds the loaf while keeping the texture light and tender.
- 2 extra-large eggs, beaten: Helps hold everything together with a gentle structure.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Creates a classic glaze that caramelizes wonderfully in the oven.
How to Make Ina Garten’s Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper. This preps your workspace and ensures easy cleanup, plus the parchment helps the meatloaf hold its shape without sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Herbs
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low. Stir in the finely chopped onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook gently until the onions become translucent and soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step brings out the onions’ natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base.
Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Let this mixture cool slightly so it melds beautifully with the meat later on without cooking the eggs prematurely.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients Gently
In a large bowl, add the ground chuck followed by the cooled onion mixture, bread crumbs, and beaten eggs. Mix lightly with a fork—over-mixing can make your meatloaf tough, so keep it gentle and tender.
Step 5: Shape and Glaze the Meatloaf
Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared sheet pan, shaping it evenly for consistent cooking. Slather the ketchup evenly over the top for that classic tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the meatloaf for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the meat is cooked through while staying moist and juicy. Serve it hot—your delicious Ina Garten’s Easy Meatloaf Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Ina Garten’s Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes, simple is best. Garnishing your meatloaf with freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a touch of fresh aroma and color that complements the rich flavors. A light drizzle of extra ketchup or a spoonful of mustard on the side can also elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or glazed carrots. For something lighter, a crisp garden salad or steamed asparagus add just the right balance and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Slice the leftover meatloaf thinly and use it for hearty sandwiches with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and your favorite condiments. Or get creative by topping slices with a fried egg for a savory brunch twist—endless possibilities await!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Proper storage helps maintain moisture and flavor, so your next meal tastes just as fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the meatloaf generously in aluminum foil and then place it inside a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen properly, it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave or wrap in foil and warm in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through. Adding a tablespoon of water or broth inside the foil can help keep the meatloaf moist throughout reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground chuck offers the perfect fat ratio for juicy meatloaf, you can swap in ground turkey or a blend with pork for a leaner or more flavorful twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure thorough cooking.
Do I have to use Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds a unique umami depth, but if you don’t have it, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can be good substitutes. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses plain dry bread crumbs, which usually contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers without altering the other steps.
Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before?
Yes! Mixing the ingredients the day before and storing them covered in the refrigerator can actually help the flavors meld beautifully. Just shape and glaze it right before baking for best results.
What should I do if my meatloaf is drying out?
To keep your meatloaf moist, avoid over-mixing and consider adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the mixture if it feels too dry. Baking at a moderate temperature like Ina Garten recommends also helps retain juiciness.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten’s Easy Meatloaf Recipe truly is a comforting classic that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a winner night after night. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved dish that brings warmth to the table and smiles all around. Don’t wait to give this recipe a go and share some home-cooked love with your family and friends.
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Ina Garten’s Easy Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ina Garten’s Meatloaf is a classic, easy-to-make comfort food recipe featuring a flavorful blend of ground chuck, sautéed onions, and seasoning, baked to perfection with a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this meatloaf is juicy, tender, and packed with savory depth from Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups finely chopped yellow onions (about 3 onions)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81% lean)
- 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs
- 2 extra-large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Sauté Onions and Seasonings: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and add chopped onions, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste into the onion mixture. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, lightly combine ground chuck, cooled onion mixture, bread crumbs, and beaten eggs using a fork. Mix just until evenly blended to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
- Shape and Glaze: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared sheet pan. Spread ketchup evenly over the top as a flavorful glaze.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Let rest briefly before slicing and serving hot.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is perfectly cooked.
- You can substitute ground beef for ground chuck if preferred, but chuck provides a good balance of fat for moistness.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to retain juices when sliced.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the ketchup before spreading it on top.
