If you are looking for the Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf Recipe then you are on the right blog page. In this post, I have shared the Popular Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf Recipe with some useful information that you will like a lot I hope.
What Is the Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf?
Joy of Cooking Meatloaf is a tasty and easy-to-make dish made from a blend of ground beef, onions, oats or breadcrumbs, ketchup, eggs, and flavorful seasonings like thyme, salt, and black pepper. To prepare it, you mix these ingredients together in a bowl, shape the mixture into a loaf, and then bake it in the oven until it’s cooked through.
The result is a firm and flavorful meatloaf that’s perfect for a family dinner. It’s comforting and satisfying, often served with sides like mashed potatoes and veggies. This recipe is a classic favorite found in the “Joy of Cooking” cookbook, known for its simple and reliable instructions.
If you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, making Joy of Cooking Meatloaf is a delicious way to enjoy a homemade meal that’s sure to bring joy to your taste buds.
The Ingredients & Equipment Needs For Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf
The ingredients and Tools are as follows:
Ingredients:
Ground Beef: You will need 12 oz of ground beef chuck and 12 oz of ground beef round. Use Salutem Vita brand ground beef chuck and Double Red Provisions brand ground beef round.
Onions: You will need 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped onions. Use white onions to get the best result.
Rolled Oats: You will need 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats. Use Bob’s Red Mill brand Quick Cooking Rolled Oats to get the best result.
Ketchup: You will need 2/3 cup of tomato ketchup. Use Amazon Fresh or Heinz brand tomato ketchup.
Eggs: You will need 3 large-size eggs, lightly beaten. Use Morning Fresh brand eggs to get the best result.
Ground Thyme: You will need 1 tsp of ground thyme. Use Badia or McCormick brand ground thyme or you can use what you have on hand.
Salt & Pepper: You will need 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper. Use Morton brand salt and McCormick brand ground black pepper.
Equipment & Tools:
You will need a Mixing Bowl, Knife, Cutting Board, Measuring Cup, Measuring Spoon, 9″ x 5″ Loaf Pan, Oven, Kitchen Thermometer, and Serving Plate.
So, let’s see How To Make the Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf Recipe at Home!
Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment & Tools
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoon
- 9" x 5" Loaf Pan
- Oven
- Kitchen Thermometer
- Serving Plate
Ingredients
- 12 oz Salutem Vita Ground Beef Chuck, Recommended
- 12 oz Ground Beef Round
- 1 ½ cups Finely Chopped Onions
- 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Quick Cooking Rolled Oats, Recommended
- ⅔ cup Heinz Ketchup, Recommended
- 3 Large Eggs, Lightly Beaten
- 1 tsp McCormick Ground Thyme, Recommended
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.
- Lightly grease a 9" x 5" loaf pan. This is the baking dish you'll use for your meatloaf.
- In a large mixing, mix all the ingredients with your hands together.
- Make sure everything is well combined, but try not to overmix it.
- Once your meat mixture is ready, place it into your greased loaf pan.
- Shape it into a loaf shape, mounding it slightly at the top.
- Put your loaf pan on a baking sheet. This will catch any drips while baking.
- Place your meatloaf into the preheated oven.
- Bake it for 60 to 75 minutes. You'll know it's done when the meatloaf is firm to the touch and has pulled away from the sides of the pan.
- If you have a kitchen thermometer, you can also use it to check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
- Once your meatloaf is done baking, carefully pour off any excess fat from the pan.
- Let your meatloaf rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it. This helps it hold together better when you cut it.
- Enjoy the Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf with your favorite sauces!
Nutrition
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Variations & Tips For Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf Recipe
Variations:
Turkey Meatloaf: Swap out the beef for ground turkey if you want a leaner option. Follow the same recipe but use ground turkey instead of beef. It’s a healthier twist on the classic.
BBQ Glazed Meatloaf: Add some excitement by brushing the top of your meatloaf with your favorite barbecue sauce before baking. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
Cheesy Meatloaf: Make it cheesy by mixing in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into your meat mixture. It’ll create a gooey, melty surprise in every bite.
Tips:
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix them just until they’re blended. Overmixing can make your meatloaf dense and less tender.
Use a Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked, use a kitchen thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf, and it should read 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
Let It Rest: After baking, give your meatloaf a little resting time. This helps the juices redistribute, making it juicier and easier to slice without falling apart.
What to serve with Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf?
You can serve Joy of Cooking Meatloaf with tasty side dishes. Here are some simple options:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes go great with meatloaf. They’re smooth and comforting.
Gravy: Pour some delicious gravy over your meatloaf for extra flavor. It’s like a tasty sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Steam some broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a healthy side. They add color and nutrition to your meal.
Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and dressing can balance the meal with a refreshing crunch.
Bread: A slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls can complete your plate. It’s perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
Roasted Potatoes: If you like a different potato option, roast some potato wedges or chunks until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
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FAQs about the Joy Of Cooking Meatloaf Recipe
Can I use other types of meat besides beef?
Yes! You can use ground turkey or even a mix of meats if you like. It changes the flavor a bit but can be just as tasty.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a kitchen thermometer to check. Stick it into the center of the meatloaf, and when it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius), it’s done.
Why do I need to let it rest before slicing?
Letting it rest for about 15 minutes helps the juices settle, so your meatloaf stays juicy and holds together when you cut it.
Can I add my favorite ingredients to the meatloaf?
Absolutely! Meatloaf is flexible. You can add cheese, spices, or even a BBQ sauce glaze to make it your own.
How long can I keep leftover meatloaf?
You can store leftover meatloaf in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. It’s great for making sandwiches too!
How to reheat Joy Of Cooking meatloaf?
Place a slice of meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe paper towel. Heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure it’s hot in the middle.
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Conclusion
Making Joy of Cooking Meatloaf is a tasty adventure that brings comfort to your dinner table. With simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, oats, and a few seasonings, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. If you follow the classic recipe or try some fun variations like turkey meatloaf or adding cheese, it’s a dish you can make your own.
Remember to use a thermometer to check when it’s done and let it rest before slicing. And don’t forget the sides like mashed potatoes or veggies to complete your meal. Meatloaf is a classic favorite for a reason—it’s simple, hearty, and oh-so-delicious!
