Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. butter
Special equipment needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Meat thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the loaf pan and press it down firmly.
4. Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the brown gravy. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the flour turns golden brown.
7. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
8. Bring the gravy to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
9. Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
10. Slice the meatloaf and serve with the brown gravy.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
- Internal temperature of meatloaf: 160°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or pork.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or oats.
- Beef broth can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Top the meatloaf with sliced mushrooms or bacon before baking.
- Use different seasonings such as Italian seasoning or chili powder to customize the flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is fully cooked.
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- If the gravy is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatloaf and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the meatloaf, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
- To reheat the gravy, heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the meatloaf and gravy on a platter with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables on the side.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the meatloaf with chopped parsley or green onions.
Pairings:
- Serve the meatloaf with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatloaf is too dry, add more milk or broth to the meat mixture.
- If the gravy is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Always cook ground meat to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Meatloaf is a classic American dish that dates back to the early 20th century. It became popular during the Great Depression as a way to stretch meat further and use up leftover ingredients.
Flavor profiles:
- The meatloaf is savory and meaty with a hint of sweetness from the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. The brown gravy is rich and savory with a slightly nutty flavor from the roux.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the meatloaf and gravy with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort food meal.
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Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Tangy, Umami, hearty, comforting, meaty, rich, flavorful