Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when kitchens are filled with the aroma of roasted turkey and all the delicious sides. But let me tell you about my family’s secret weapon: Thanksgiving meatloaf! Every year, we gather around the table, and while the turkey gets all the glory, it’s my hearty meatloaf that steals the show. I remember my grandma’s warm kitchen, where she’d mix the ground beef with just the right blend of spices, and that rich ketchup glaze always made it irresistible. This recipe is special because it’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the love and memories baked into each slice. Trust me, this Thanksgiving meatloaf will become a cherished tradition in your home too!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Meatloaf
To whip up this delicious Thanksgiving meatloaf, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s the lineup:
- 2 pounds ground beef: The star of the show! I prefer using a mix of lean and fatty cuts for that perfect juicy texture.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together while keeping it nice and moist.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper: I love using a mix of colors for extra crunch and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a delightful zing to the mix.
- 2 eggs: They act as a binder, ensuring our meatloaf holds together perfectly.
- 1 cup ketchup: This will be both in the mixture and as a glaze on top—so good!
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Just a touch of umami that elevates the flavor!
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried oregano: These herbs add a comforting aroma that’s just perfect for Thanksgiving.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Meatloaf
Making this Thanksgiving meatloaf is super easy and oh-so-rewarding! Let’s dive into the steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! You want that oven nice and hot when the meatloaf goes in.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. I like to use my hands for this part—just dive in and mix until everything is well integrated. You want a nice, even consistency.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf. Don’t be shy here! Make it as tall or as wide as you like, but I recommend keeping it around the size of a standard loaf pan.
- Place the loaf in a baking dish. I usually line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
- Spread some additional ketchup on top for that classic glaze. It adds a beautiful tangy sweetness that’s just irresistible.
- Bake for 1 hour or until it’s cooked through. You can check by inserting a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (70°C).
- Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice super moist and flavorful.
And there you have it! You’re just a few steps away from the most comforting Thanksgiving meatloaf your family will love!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Meatloaf
To make sure your Thanksgiving meatloaf turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that! Also, consider using a meat thermometer; it’s the best way to ensure it’s cooked through without drying out. If you have time, let the meatloaf sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps it cook evenly. Lastly, if you want an extra touch of flavor, try adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce or some chopped fresh herbs for a delightful twist!
Variations of Thanksgiving Meatloaf
Want to switch things up with your Thanksgiving meatloaf? There are so many fun variations to explore! For a veggie-packed twist, try adding grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to the mix—these not only boost nutrition but add moisture too! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not spice it up with some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat? You could also experiment with different herbs; rosemary or sage could bring a delightful seasonal flavor. And if you’re a cheese lover like me, folding in some shredded cheddar or crumbled feta can take it to a whole new level of yum! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Meatloaf
When it comes to comfort food, this Thanksgiving meatloaf not only satisfies your cravings but also provides some decent nutrition! Each slice (about 250 calories) packs in around 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 10g of carbs. You’ll also find about 5g of sugar and 600mg of sodium per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this hearty dish while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ about Thanksgiving Meatloaf
Got questions about your Thanksgiving meatloaf? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
How do I store leftovers? Simply wrap any leftover meatloaf in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for those tasty meatloaf sandwiches later!
Can I freeze Thanksgiving meatloaf? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully cooled first. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop it in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs? If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats work great as alternatives! Just ensure they’re finely crushed to maintain the right texture.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, you can! Ground turkey gives a lighter option, but you may want to add a bit more seasoning to make up for the flavor difference.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Meatloaf
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meatloaf without any fuss.
- Comforting flavors: The combination of beef, herbs, and that sweet ketchup glaze creates a taste that feels like a warm hug.
- Perfect for gatherings: This Thanksgiving meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal dish for family celebrations.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite spices or veggies to suit your family’s tastes.
- Great for leftovers: Whether in a sandwich or reheated with sides, it’s just as delightful the next day!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Meatloaf
When it comes to serving your Thanksgiving meatloaf, there are so many delicious sides that pair perfectly! I highly recommend classic mashed potatoes smothered in rich gravy—it’s a match made in heaven! You can also add some roasted green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts for a pop of color and crunch. And don’t forget about a fresh garden salad to lighten things up a bit. These sides will round out your meal beautifully and make it feel like a true Thanksgiving feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Thanksgiving Meatloaf
Storing your Thanksgiving meatloaf is a breeze! Simply wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatloaf in a baking dish covered with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. Now you can savor those delicious flavors all over again!
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving Meatloaf: 7 Comforting Secrets to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A hearty meatloaf perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Składniki
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread additional ketchup on top for glaze.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Uwagi
- Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Try adding your favorite spices for extra flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 1 hour
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 10g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving meatloaf
