Home-Style Meatloaf

To make this ahead, prepare and shape the loaf, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 hours. Bake just before serving. When purchasing ground beef, there are a couple of things you should check for, including color (bright pink with no signs of browning) and a sell-by-date (the nearer to this date the older the meat). Beef that is 80 percent lean has 20 percent fat. If you prefer leaner ground beef, look for 85 percent or 90 percent lean. Out of bread or prefer not to use it? You can swap in 1/2 cup Progresso® dry bread crumbs, 1/2 cup crushed seasoned crackers or 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats instead. A meat thermometer is a kitchen tool that we really think every home cook should own, because it’s a surefire way to cook your meat perfectly. In this recipe, you’re looking for a temperature of 160°F in the center. Did the meatloaf of your youth feature a packet of Lipton® onion soup or a shot of hot sauce? This recipe is amenable to customizations of that sort. While it’s perfectly delicious as written, it’s a solid place to start if you want to tailor your meatloaf to suit your tastes or indulge your nostalgia.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix Meatloaf ingredients well. Press mixture in ungreased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake 40 minutes.

Step 2

Remove from oven. Spread 1/4 cup ketchup evenly over top. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of loaf reads 160°F. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.