This classic meatloaf is a nostalgic, heartwarming dish packed with rich flavors. The combination of tender ground chuck, aromatic onions, and a hint of thyme creates a juicy, flavorful bite. A glossy ketchup glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this homestyle meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a comforting weeknight meal or serving a crowd at a gathering, this tried and true recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups finely chopped yellow onions (about 3 onions)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground chuck, cooled onion mixture, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly spread ketchup over the top.
- Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Ina Garten’s Classic Meatloaf: A Homestyle Favorite
Meatloaf is one of those quintessential comfort foods that brings back fond memories of home cooked meals shared with family. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well made meatloaf juicy, flavorful, and topped with a tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Ina Garten’s take on this beloved dish elevates it to a whole new level, blending classic ingredients with a few signature touches that ensure a moist and tender bite every time.
In this article, we’ll explore the secrets behind Ina Garten’s meatloaf, including the key elements that make it so delicious, helpful cooking tips, and ways to customize the recipe to suit your personal taste. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or trying your hand at meatloaf for the first time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why Ina Garten’s Meatloaf Stands Out
There are countless meatloaf recipes out there, but what makes Ina Garten’s version so special? The Barefoot Contessa has a reputation for creating foolproof recipes that deliver restaurant quality results with simple ingredients. Her meatloaf follows this same principle, offering a no fuss method that guarantees moist, flavorful results every time.
1. The Right Blend of Ingredients
A great meatloaf starts with high quality ingredients, and Ina Garten’s recipe is no exception. She uses ground chuck with an 81% lean to at ratio, which provides the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness without making the dish overly greasy. The addition of fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the beef without overpowering them.
2. Moisture-Rich Additions
One of the biggest pitfalls of making meatloaf is ending up with a dry, crumbly texture. To prevent this, Ina incorporates a combination of sautéed onions, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. These ingredients add both moisture and depth of flavor, ensuring that every bite is juicy and satisfying.
3. A Perfectly Balanced Glaze
While some meatloaf recipes call for a sweet or tangy glaze made with brown sugar or barbecue sauce, Ina Garten keeps it simple with a classic ketchup topping. As the meatloaf bakes, the ketchup caramelizes and forms a slightly sticky crust that adds just the right amount of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the meat.
Cooking Tips for the Best Meatloaf
Even with a great recipe, there are a few additional tricks to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time.
1. Don’t Overmix the Meat
One of the most common mistakes when making meatloaf is overworking the ground meat. When the ingredients are mixed too aggressively, the proteins in the beef become compacted, leading to a tough and dense loaf. Instead, gently mix the ingredients with a fork or your hands just until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Use a Baking Sheet Instead of a Loaf Pan
Many traditional meatloaf recipes call for baking the mixture in a loaf pan, but Ina Garten opts for a sheet pan lined with parchment paper instead. This allows the meatloaf to develop a crisp, golden brown crust on all sides while preventing it from becoming overly greasy. Any excess fat can drip away, resulting in a cleaner, more balanced texture.
3. Let the Meatloaf Rest
Just like a good steak, meatloaf benefits from a brief resting period after it comes out of the oven. Letting it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from running out when you cut into it. This step ensures that each slice remains moist and flavorful.
Ways to Customize This Meatloaf Recipe
One of the best things about meatloaf is its versatility. While Ina Garten’s recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or experiment with different flavors. Here are a few variations to consider:
1. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor and Texture
If you want to add more depth to your meatloaf, consider mixing in finely chopped vegetables. Carrots, celery, and bell peppers work particularly well, lending a hint of sweetness and a subtle crunch to each bite. Simply sauté them along with the onions before incorporating them into the mixture.
2. Experiment with Different Meats
While ground chuck is the star of Ina Garten’s recipe, you can mix things up by using a combination of meats. Many classic meatloaf recipes blend beef with ground pork or veal for added richness and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute, though you may need to increase the moisture content by adding a bit more stock or tomato paste.
3. Try a New Glaze
Ina Garten’s simple ketchup glaze is undeniably delicious, but if you’re looking for a different flavor profile, there are plenty of options to explore. A mixture of barbecue sauce and honey can add a smoky sweetness, while a balsamic glaze provides a tangy, slightly acidic contrast to the savory meat. You can even try a Dijon mustard based topping for a subtle kick of heat.
What to Serve with Ina Garten’s Meatloaf
A hearty dish like meatloaf deserves equally satisfying side dishes. Here are some classic pairings that complement the flavors of this meal perfectly:
1. Mashed Potatoes
There’s no better match for meatloaf than a creamy serving of mashed potatoes. Whether you prefer them buttery and smooth or chunky with a bit of texture, they help soak up all the delicious juices and sauce from the meatloaf.
2. Roasted Vegetables
For a healthier side option, roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a nice contrast in texture and flavor. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until caramelized and tender.
3. Buttery Dinner Rolls
A warm, fluffy dinner roll is the perfect vessel for scooping up every last bite of meatloaf. Serve them with a bit of melted butter for an extra indulgent touch.
4. A Simple Green Salad
To balance out the richness of the meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. Opt for ingredients like arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan for a simple yet flavorful side dish.
Conclusion: A Meatloaf Recipe Worth Making Again and Again
Ina Garten’s meatloaf is proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. With its juicy, well seasoned interior and perfectly caramelized glaze, this dish is a crowd pleaser that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it as the star of a Sunday family meal, it’s a recipe that’s sure to bring everyone to the table.
By following a few key tips like using high quality ingredients, handling the meat gently, and baking it on a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan you can achieve a meatloaf that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time. And with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get tired of experimenting with different variations.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, home cooked meal, give this meatloaf a try. Pair it with your favorite sides, sit down with loved ones, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a dish that has stood the test of time.