Grandma's Secret-Ingredient Meatloaf
The ultimate comfort food, this meatloaf recipe has a secret ingredient that makes it incredibly moist and flavorful.
About This Recipe Recipe
Meatloaf has a bit of a reputation problem. For many, it conjures up images of dry, dense, and disappointingly bland cafeteria fare. But this is not that meatloaf. This is Grandma's Secret-Ingredient Meatloaf, and it is a game-changer. This is the meatloaf that will make you a believer. It's incredibly moist, tender, and packed with flavor, thanks to a few simple but crucial techniques and a secret ingredient that has been passed down through generations. This is the recipe that turns a humble dish into a culinary masterpiece, a comforting and satisfying meal that will have your family asking for seconds. The key is in the details: a mixture of ground meats for complexity, a 'panade' of bread and milk for moisture, and a savory-sweet glaze that caramelizes in the oven. And then there's the secret ingredient, a simple addition that elevates this meatloaf from good to unforgettable. The aroma of this meatloaf baking is a siren song of comfort and home, a promise of a delicious and hearty meal. It's a recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a Sunday supper, or any time you're craving a taste of classic American comfort food.
Grandma's Secret-Ingredient Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb ground veal
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small apple, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Grandma's Secret-Ingredient Meatloaf
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk and grated apple. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak.
- 3
In a large bowl, sauté the onion and celery until soft. Add garlic for the final minute.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, and veal. Add the bread crumb mixture, the sautéed vegetables, beaten egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- 5
Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 6
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- 7
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for the glaze. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
- 8
Bake for 30 minutes. Spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Chef's Tips
- Use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for the best flavor and texture.
- Shape the meatloaf into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan, for a better crust and less grease.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist and juicy.
Nutrition Facts
450
Calories
35g
Protein
25g
Fat
25g
Carbs
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf is a star on its own, but it's even better with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and green beans. The mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for any extra meatloaf drippings. Leftover meatloaf makes the best sandwiches the next day, served cold on white bread with a little mayonnaise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe card
Grandma's Secret-Ingredient Meatloaf
The ultimate comfort food, this meatloaf recipe has a secret ingredient that makes it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Prep
25 min
Cook
75 min
Total
100 min
Servings
6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb ground veal
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small apple, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk and grated apple. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak.
- In a large bowl, sauté the onion and celery until soft. Add garlic for the final minute.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, and veal. Add the bread crumb mixture, the sautéed vegetables, beaten egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for the glaze. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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