My ultimate meatloaf recipe I can make every week! Dinner Recipe

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through making a tender and juicy meatloaf that can easily become a weekly dinner staple. This recipe features flavorful ingredients like Ritz crackers and onion soup mix, ensuring a delicious outcome. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering meatloaf that your family will love.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 2 lbs 85/15 ground beef
• 1 envelope of beefy onion soup mix
• 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers
• 1/4 medium-sized bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup A-1 steak sauce
• 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Crush the Crackers: In a large mixing bowl, crush the Ritz crackers until fine.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the ground beef, onion soup mix, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, paprika, ketchup, parsley, cracked black pepper, eggs, and milk to the bowl.
4. Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a spatula to combine all ingredients until well blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf

• Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or a lined loaf pan.
• Form it into a loaf shape, ensuring it’s even and smooth on the top.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, A-1 steak sauce, dark brown sugar, diced chipotle peppers, and cracked black pepper until well combined.
2. Top the Meatloaf: Pour half of the sauce over the shaped meatloaf, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

• Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven.
• Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• During the last 10 minutes, brush the remaining sauce over the meatloaf for extra flavor.

Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve

• Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
• Slice and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or vegetables.

Conclusion

You've successfully made a delicious meatloaf that is perfect for any weeknight dinner. The combination of Ritz crackers and onion soup mix adds incredible flavor and tenderness. Enjoy your meal, and feel free to experiment with different sides or toppings for variety in future meals!