Ina Garten Meatloaf

A hearty recipe by Ina Garten is this Meatloaf that you can easily prepare for a family dinner, made with ground chuck, yellow onions, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, and eggs. This savory Meatloaf recipe is a perfect dinner option that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Ina Garten Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups yellow onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81% lean)
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup ketchup

How To Make Ina Garten Meatloaf

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady temperature of 325°F (163°C) to ensure even cooking, and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
2. Prepare the Onion Mixture: Start by heating the olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat; add the chopped onions to the oil.
3. Add Seasonings to Onion Mixture: To the onions in the pan, incorporate chopped thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally, and cook until the onions turn soft and translucent.
4. Incorporate Liquid Ingredients: After turning off the heat, add Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste to the onion mixture, and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Let Onion Mixture Cool: Allow the onion mixture to cool for a few minutes, ensuring it does not cook the eggs prematurely when mixed together.
6. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chuck with the cooled onion mixture, dry bread crumbs, and beaten eggs using a fork to avoid overmixing.
7. Shape and Top the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a parchment-lined baking tray, shape it into a neat rectangle, and then evenly spread ketchup on top using a spoon or brush.
8. Bake and Rest Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C); let it rest before slicing to retain its juices.

Recipe Tips

• Check the seasoning: Before forming your loaf, fry a small portion of the meat mixture to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Don’t overmix: Use a fork to combine your ingredients gently; overmixing will make the meatloaf tough and chewy, which isn’t pleasant.
• Let it rest: After baking, allow your meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing; this helps retain more juices within the meat.
• Add a glaze: For extra flavor, consider adding brown sugar and mustard glaze to the ketchup topping before baking.
• Use a loaf pan: For a moister meatloaf, cook it in a loaf pan partly filled with water, and place on the rack below the meatloaf.

What To Serve With Meatloaf

Serve your hearty Meatloaf with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, creamy spinach gratin, balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts, and a cucumber ribbon salad.

You can also pair it with a tangy apple coleslaw, fresh arugula, and pomegranate salad for a refreshing contrast to the savory meatloaf.

How To Store Meatloaf

To Refrigerate: Place the leftover Meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation and sogginess.

To Freeze: Meatloaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to eat.

How To Reheat Meatloaf

In The Oven: To reheat your Meatloaf, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in an oven preheated to 350°F. Let it heat for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This method helps keep the Meatloaf moist.

In The Microwave: Place slices of Meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. The damp towel helps steam the Meatloaf, preventing it from drying out.

In The Air Fryer: Reheat slices of Meatloaf in the air fryer at 360°F for about 4-5 minutes. This method gives the Meatloaf a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. Flip the slices halfway through reheating for even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce or prefer not to use it, try substituting it with soy sauce mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the Meatloaf mix?

Yes, you can enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onions to soften before adding them to the meat mixture.

Is it possible to make the Meatloaf without eggs?

For an egg-free version, you can use mashed potatoes or a couple of tablespoons of mayo to bind the ingredients. This substitution helps keep the Meatloaf moist and cohesive during cooking.

Check out More Recipes From Ina Garten:

• Ina Garten Salmon Patties
• Ina Garten Lobster Salad
• Ina Garten Grilled Halibut