Easy « Makes You Feel Better » Meatloaf Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, place your cast iron skillet inside to warm up. The cast iron will give your meatloaf a nice, crisp crust on the outside. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use a standard bread pan, but be sure to follow the same instructions for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the two eggs until they are well-beaten. Add the finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, 1 cup of ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to the eggs, stirring everything together until well blended. The Worcestershire sauce adds a rich, umami flavor that will enhance the beef. You can also add other ingredients at this stage, like minced garlic or chopped tomatoes, to customize your meatloaf to your liking. Next, add the ground beef and the oats to the mixture. Use your hands (or a wooden spoon) to mix it together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Mixing with your hands is the best way to get everything evenly distributed without overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the Meatloaf: Take the prepared meatloaf mixture and dump it into the preheated 10-inch cast iron skillet. Press it down firmly to shape the meatloaf, making sure it’s even on all sides. If you’re using a bread pan, simply form the mixture into a loaf and place it in the pan. The key is to shape it tightly so it doesn’t fall apart during baking. The skillet will help the meatloaf cook evenly and get a lovely, crispy edge.
4. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the skillet (or bread pan) into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. The meatloaf should be fully cooked through, with the outside becoming a rich brown color. At this point, you can check the internal temperature to ensure it has reached 160°F (71°C), indicating it’s cooked properly. Remove the meatloaf from the oven.
5. Prepare the Topping: While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by combining 1/3 cup of ketchup with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved. This sweet topping adds an extra layer of flavor that balances the savory richness of the meatloaf.
6. Apply the Topping: After removing the meatloaf from the oven, spread the topping evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it all the way to the edges, ensuring every bite will have that sweet, tangy finish. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes. This final bake allows the topping to caramelize and form a beautiful glaze on the meatloaf.
7. Serve: Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring your meatloaf remains moist. Slice it up and serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes for a comforting, satisfying meal.
   

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