Delicious meatloaf served in a family-style dish with mini loaves on the side.

Meatloaf (Family-Style or Mini Loaves)

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that brings families together at the dinner table. It’s warm, hearty, and filled with flavors that everyone loves. Whether you choose to make family-style meatloaf or mini loaves, this dish is simple to prepare and can be enjoyed for many meals. It also allows for customization, making it easy to add personal touches. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftovers for sandwiches or other meals.

how to make Meatloaf

To make delicious meatloaf, gather your ingredients and follow these steps:

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 heaping teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 1/2 lbs meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork, and veal)
  • 3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup ketchup

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it is softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for a brief moment until fragrant.
  5. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to a bowl.
  6. In the same bowl, combine milk, eggs, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
  7. Add the meatloaf mix and bread crumbs to the bowl. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
  8. For mini loaves, form the mixture into 6 small loaves, place them on the baking sheet, and top with ketchup. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until cooked through.
  9. For a family-style meatloaf, shape the mixture into one large loaf on the baking sheet, cover with ketchup, and bake for 75-80 minutes.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

how to serve Meatloaf

Serve meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a complete meal. You can also offer extra ketchup or gravy on the side. Meatloaf also makes great sandwiches the next day, so feel free to slice any leftovers and add them to bread for a delicious lunch.

how to store Meatloaf

To store meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date.

tips to make Meatloaf

  • Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together.
  • Don’t overmix the meat when combining it with the other ingredients. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
  • If you like a bit of spice, you can add some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.

variation

You can easily customize your meatloaf by adding different ingredients. Consider mixing in chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or even some cheese for added flavor. You can also use different meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

FAQs

Q: Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf or loaves, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Q: How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
A: A meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! You can swap out the meatloaf mix for all beef, turkey, or chicken, depending on your preference. Adjust the cooking time if necessary.