The aroma of this classic Ina Garten Meatloaf will bring everyone to the kitchen before it even comes out of the oven. With perfectly sautéed onions, fresh thyme, and a tender beef base, this meatloaf is the kind of dish that warms your heart and satisfies your soul.
Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, it’s a family favorite that brings back memories of cozy Sunday dinners. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a nostalgic and comforting meal that never goes out of style.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon good olive oil
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3 cups chopped yellow onions (2 large onions)
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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1/3 cup chicken stock
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80% lean)
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1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
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2 extra-large eggs, beaten
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1/2 cup ketchup
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Heat the olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown.
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Remove from heat and add Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Mix well and let it cool to room temperature.
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In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, breadcrumbs, eggs, and the cooled onion mixture. Mix well with a fork to keep the mixture light.
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Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread ketchup evenly on top.
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Bake for 1 hour, until the internal temperature is 160°F and the meatloaf is cooked through. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
INA GARTEN’S CLASSIC MEATLOAF ARTICLE FOR WEBSITE
Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, has captivated home cooks around the world with her approachable and delicious recipes. Among her most cherished creations is her classic meatloaf a comfort food staple that evokes warmth, tradition, and hearty satisfaction with every bite. More than just ground beef molded into a loaf, this dish is a culinary throwback to simpler times, reimagined with modern flair and elegant touches only Ina could deliver. It’s the kind of recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a rich, flavorful main course that feeds the soul as much as the stomach.
Why Ina Garten’s Meatloaf Stands Out
Many of us grew up with some version of meatloaf on the family table whether slathered in ketchup or tucked beside mashed potatoes. But what sets Ina Garten’s meatloaf apart is her emphasis on balanced flavors, quality ingredients, and a few clever techniques. Her version isn’t dry or bland instead, it’s moist, deeply savory, and subtly sweet from caramelized onions and a touch of tomato paste. The addition of chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce enhances umami notes, while a gentle blend of herbs and spices gives each bite a sense of home and warmth.
Another distinctive quality of this recipe is texture. Ina achieves the perfect mouthfeel by using breadcrumbs instead of crushed crackers or oats, which helps maintain moisture without making the loaf heavy or dense. The loaf holds together well, slices cleanly, and can be easily paired with a variety of side dishes. It’s a thoughtful refinement of a humble dish, brought to life with culinary precision and care.
The Heart of Home Cooking
This meatloaf isn’t just about technique it’s about emotion and nostalgia. Ina’s meatloaf embodies everything comforting about home-cooked meals. It’s hearty, familiar, and filling, yet elevated in a way that doesn’t feel pretentious. When you prepare this dish, you’re not just feeding your family you’re sharing in a tradition that stretches back generations, reinterpreted by one of the greats in modern home cooking.
It’s no surprise that this dish has become a go-to for many families across America. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner and an even better leftover the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. Reheat it with some roasted vegetables or slap a slice onto a sandwich with mustard and pickles it’s just as good on day two, or even day three.
Nutritional Value and Comfort
While meatloaf is undeniably a comfort food, Ina’s version is surprisingly balanced when it comes to nutrition. Using lean ground beef keeps the fat content in check, while ingredients like onions and fresh herbs offer both flavor and a few added nutrients. The eggs not only bind the loaf but contribute protein, and the breadcrumbs help it stay tender without the need for heavy cream or overly rich additions.
Pair it with steamed green beans, a colorful side salad, or mashed cauliflower for a well-rounded plate that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. If you’re seeking something more indulgent, classic mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables provide a hearty complement that stays true to the dish’s comforting roots.
Tips for Success
Though the recipe itself is straightforward, here are a few tips to make sure your meatloaf comes out perfect every time:
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Sauté your onions until translucent – This releases their sweetness and prevents that raw onion bite in the final product.
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Use parchment or foil under your meatloaf while baking – This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
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Let the meatloaf rest before slicing – At least 10 minutes! This allows juices to redistribute and keeps the slices intact.
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Don’t overmix the meat – Doing so can make it tough. Use your hands or a fork to gently combine the ingredients.
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Taste before baking – Cook a small patty of the mixture on the stove to test for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs accordingly.
Variations and Twists
Though Ina’s meatloaf is delicious as written, one of its strengths is how easily it can be adapted to fit different tastes or dietary needs.
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Add grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and a veggie boost.
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Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner loaf.
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Use different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for seasonal flavor changes.
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Incorporate cheese like grated parmesan or a cheddar blend for added richness.
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Spice it up with chili flakes, smoked paprika, or a spicy tomato glaze on top.
This flexibility makes the recipe not only versatile but also suitable for experimentation great for adventurous cooks and picky eaters alike.
Why This Meatloaf is Perfect for Entertaining
While meatloaf might not seem like the obvious choice for entertaining, Ina Garten’s take proves otherwise. Its elegant simplicity and homemade charm make it the perfect main dish for casual dinner parties or Sunday family gatherings. You can even prepare the mixture in advance and bake it fresh when your guests arrive filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of a meal that’s both familiar and impressive.
Serve it alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and warm dinner rolls for a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug. Add a red wine or a simple iced tea, and you’ve created a dining experience that’s as relaxing as it is memorable.
Popularity and Legacy
Ina’s meatloaf has gained somewhat of a cult following not just because it tastes great, but because it reflects her entire philosophy: keep it simple, use good ingredients, and make it with love. The Barefoot Contessa brand has long represented the elegance of simplicity, and this recipe is a perfect example. It’s easy enough for novice cooks but impressive enough for experienced ones to enjoy and share.
You’ll find countless reviews online from fans who’ve made this recipe their go to comfort food. Many claim it’s the only meatloaf their kids will eat or that it brings back memories of family dinners from decades past. That kind of reaction doesn’t come from a gimmick it comes from authenticity and heart.
Conclusion:
In a world full of flashy culinary trends and complex gourmet dishes, Ina Garten’s meatloaf remains a beacon of simplicity, taste, and comfort. It’s a dish that speaks to the past while fitting effortlessly into the modern kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a freezer-friendly meal for the week, or welcoming friends to your table, this meatloaf offers familiarity with a touch of finesse.
If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a real treat. And if you have? You already know that this is the kind of meal that turns ordinary evenings into cherished memories one delicious bite at a time.
Ina Garten’s meatloaf isn’t just a recipe it’s an invitation to reconnect with the joy of cooking and the warmth of sharing food with those you love. With just a few simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation, you can serve up something truly special. It’s not about reinventing the wheel it’s about making the best version of a beloved classic. And that, at its heart, is what great home cooking is all about.