Savory Homemade Meatloaf with a Perfect Blend of Flavors

Course: Dinner

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hour

minutes

Indulge in the comforting goodness of our Savory Homemade Meatloaf, a classic dish with a delightful twist. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of spices, creating a mouthwatering experience that will transport you to the heart of home-cooked meals.
Our carefully crafted meatloaf features a mix of finely diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéed to perfection, adding layers of savory goodness. The addition of garlic, dried thyme, and tomato paste elevates the flavor profile, providing a well-rounded taste that will satisfy your culinary cravings.
The meatloaf is bound together with a mixture of torn-up bread pieces soaked in milk, creating a moist and tender texture. With Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper adding depth, every bite is a burst of savory perfection. For an optional finishing touch, coat the meatloaf with ketchup or BBQ sauce, or go the extra mile with a bacon wrap for added richness.
Bake until golden brown, and let the tantalizing aroma fill your kitchen. Allow the meatloaf to cool slightly before slicing, revealing the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. Whether served fresh or as delightful leftovers, this Savory Homemade Meatloaf promises a comforting and satisfying dining experience for you and your loved ones. Bring warmth to your table with this timeless recipe that captures the essence of home.

Ingredients

1 cup torn-up bread pieces or 1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup whole or 2% milk
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small carrot, finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 pounds ground meat (beef, pork, veal, lamb, or a mix)
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1/2 cup ketchup, BBQ sauce, or another sauce for coating (optional)
8 ounces bacon (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet or dish with aluminum foil.
Soak the Bread: Combine bread pieces and milk in a bowl. Let it soak until the bread turns into a thick porridge, occasionally stirring.
Cook the Vegetables: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until onions are translucent and carrots are soft. Add garlic, thyme, and tomato paste. Stir until coated, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
Make the Meatloaf Mix: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, soaked bread, and cooked vegetables. Mix until just combined.
Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet or dish, shaping it into a 9×5-inch loaf.
Coat with Ketchup or Bacon (Optional): Spread 1/4 cup of ketchup over the meatloaf or drape bacon slices on top.
Bake for 45 Minutes: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
Additional Baking: Spread the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup over the loaf and bake for an extra 10 to 15 minutes until the middle reaches at least 155°F.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the meatloaf to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. If using a loaf pan, drain off excess fat before serving.