She Strengthens

The Ultimate Meatloaf Recipe: A Classic American Dish Perfected

Meatloaf, a staple of American cuisine, is a dish that evokes nostalgia and comfort. With countless variations, it’s no wonder that home cooks have their own secrets to making the perfect loaf. Our quest was to create a recipe that balances flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. After gathering input from cooks like you, we’re thrilled to present our ultimate meatloaf recipe.

A Delicious Blend of Flavors and Textures

This masterpiece is neither too meaty, too sweet, nor too dry. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will please even the pickiest eaters. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite.

Getting Started

Before we dive into the recipe, take a moment to review the basics of our Recipe Lab project. If you’re new to the series, check out this thread for an introduction to our collaborative cooking initiative.

Recipe Details

Yield: 8-10 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup packed fresh bread pieces, crusts removed
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 2 medium celery ribs, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste (3/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
• 1/3 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
• 2 large eggs, whisked until smooth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds ground pork
• 1 pound ground turkey (preferably thigh meat)
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Heat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. In a small bowl, combine torn bread and milk; set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add celery, onion, and garlic, cooking until softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Cool
   Add tomato paste and cook until no longer raw tasting, about 4 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside to cool slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients
   Add soaked bread, half of the roasted red peppers, parsley, eggs, Worcestershire, salt, mustard, and pepper to the vegetables. Stir until evenly combined.
5. Mix in Meat
   Add pork and turkey, mixing until just combined. Be gentle – don’t squeeze or overwork the meat.
6. Shape and Bake
   Form the meat mixture into a loose loaf and transfer into a 9-by-5 1/4-by-2 3/4-inch metal loaf pan. Mix the remaining roasted red pepper and ketchup, brushing it over the top. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 150°F, about 1-1 1/2 hours.
7. Let it Rest
   Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your perfectly balanced, deliciously flavorful meatloaf!