Go Back
- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese To start, ground beef is the base of our meatloaf. It gives the dish flavor and juiciness. I like to use a mix of cheeses. Parmesan adds a sharp taste, while mozzarella makes it creamy and rich. - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Next, we need some veggies. Onion and garlic add sweetness and aroma. Fresh herbs like parsley make the dish bright and fresh. Worcestershire sauce brings a deep flavor. Oregano and thyme add warmth to every bite. - 1 cup ketchup - Optional garnishes (like fresh parsley) Finally, for the topping, we use ketchup. It gives a sweet and tangy glaze. You can add fresh parsley on top for a nice color. This simple garnish makes the dish look inviting. {{ingredient_image_2}} - First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a great bake. - Grab a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Grease it well to prevent sticking. - In a big bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. - Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. - Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. - Next, toss in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. - Crack in 2 large eggs and pour in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. - Don’t forget 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried thyme, plus 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. - Use your hands or a fork to mix. Be gentle; overmixing makes it tough. - Shape the mixture into a loaf. Place it in the greased pan. - Spread 1 cup of ketchup on top. This adds a tasty glaze. - Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. It’s done when it hits 160°F (70°C). - Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy. - Serve warm, with extra ketchup and your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or veggies. - Use a food processor for quick chopping of onion and garlic. - Look for pre-mixed seasoning blends for meatloaf. These save time and add flavor. - To avoid a dry meatloaf, mix ingredients gently. Overmixing makes the loaf tough. - Let the meatloaf rest after baking. This step helps juices spread evenly, keeping it moist. - Serve slices on a bright platter; it makes the dish look more inviting. - Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley add vibrant flavor to your meatloaf. If you can, use fresh instead of dried for a more aromatic dish. Resting Time is Key: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender slice. Experiment with Cheese: Try adding different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavor profiles. Mixing cheeses can elevate the dish to new heights. Customize the Topping: Instead of plain ketchup, mix it with barbecue sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor on top of your meatloaf. {{image_4}} You can easily change the meat in this recipe. Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you want a lighter option, consider ground lamb or pork for rich flavor. If you need dairy-free options, skip the cheese. Use a vegan cheese substitute to keep the creamy taste. You can also replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for binding. To boost flavor, add spices and herbs. Try garlic powder, paprika, or cumin for a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary can brighten the dish. You can also mix in vegetables for added texture and nutrients. Chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or spinach blend well. These add moisture and flavor without extra work. While ketchup is common, you can use barbecue sauce for a sweet twist. For a tangy flavor, mix mustard with honey. Creative glazes can include a mixture of honey and soy sauce. This adds a tasty glaze that caramelizes nicely during baking. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite topping. - Meatloaf lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. - Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. - To freeze meatloaf, let it cool completely first. - Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil. - It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. - Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. - Turn leftover meatloaf into meatloaf sandwiches. - Chop it up for a tasty meatloaf hash with potatoes. - Use it in a meatloaf pizza for a fun twist. - For meal prep, cut into slices and pack with veggies for lunch. Cooking meatloaf usually takes about 45 to 55 minutes. You want it to reach 160°F (70°C) inside. This ensures it is safe to eat. Always check the center with a meat thermometer. Don’t rush; letting it rest for 10 minutes helps keep it juicy. Yes, you can make meatloaf ahead of time. Prepare it and shape it into a loaf. Wrap it well and store it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. Meatloaf pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Roasted carrots - Creamy coleslaw - Fresh garden salad These sides balance the meatloaf's rich flavors and make a complete meal. To make a tasty meatloaf, gather your ingredients carefully. Mix the ground beef with vegetables, seasonings, and breadcrumbs for the best flavor. Bake it in the oven and enjoy the smell filling your home. Remember, the right toppings can elevate your dish. If you follow these steps, you’ll create a meal everyone loves. Store leftovers properly for another delicious meal later. With these tips, you’ll always impress at the dinner table. Now it's your turn to create your own meatloaf masterpiece!

Comforting Cheesy Herb Meatloaf

A delicious and hearty meatloaf packed with cheese and herbs, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 2 shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 4 fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 black pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's perfectly heated for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh parsley.
  • Add the eggs, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
  • Using your hands or a fork, mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
  • Shape the combined mixture into a loaf shape and transfer it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, pressing it gently to ensure it holds its shape.
  • Generously spread the ketchup over the top of the meatloaf, creating a flavorful glaze that will enhance its taste.
  • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and achieves an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  • After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful loaf.
  • Serve the meatloaf warm, with extra ketchup on the side if desired, complemented by your favorite vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Notes

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for better texture.
Keyword cheesy, comfort food, herb, meatloaf