Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food. Now, for some reason, while by no means unknown here in the UK, the trusty meatloaf has never been as popular here as across the pond. Give it a try at home as a meatloaf revolution may be just around the corner. This super simple, no fail american meatloaf recipe won’t take long to make and it’s really pretty tasty, if we do say so ourselves. Served with trusty roast potatoes and some steamed veg, it’s the perfect hearty supper.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 680g beef mince (from The Dorking Butchery)
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- 250ml milk
- 110g dried breadcrumbs / crushed savoury crackers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons english mustard
- 5 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chilli sauce (if you like it hot)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas 4.
- In a large bowl, combine the mince, egg, onion, milk and breadcrumbs, mixing together with your hands.
- Season with the salt, pepper, cayenne, mixed herbs and paprika.
- Place in a lightly greased 23x13cm loaf tin (or line with greaseproof paper), or form into a loaf and place on a lightly greased baking tray (wet hands are the best tool for this).
- In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Sriracha, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour, then allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
You can also experiment with different types of meat used in your meatloaf. While beef gives excellent flavour, swapping some of the beef for lean pork mince will provide juiciness – or you could even try bacon! Adding ground veal would add lightness to a loaf, and ground chicken or turkey would help to reduce some of the fat and calories.