Author's Note
Virginia’s Meatloaf
Step back in time with this classic early-Americana meatloaf recipe, a nostalgic blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory spices, topped with a rich, tangy tomato glaze that captures the comforting essence of traditional American home cooking. This hearty, simple-to-prepare dish, often served with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans, epitomizes the quintessential family dinner of the post-war era, bringing a taste of the past to today's table.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp cooking oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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1 cup milk (or ¾ cup cream)
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2 eggs, beaten (or just mix in with hands)
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1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
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1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (Optional)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2
# indicates possible substitutions
Substitutions
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For: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef use: mix 1 pound ground beef or turkey and ½ pound sausage
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For: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce use: See recipe to make your own Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Sweat the onions and bell peppers in a skillet over medium heat using a small amount of cooking oil.
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Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, cooked chopped onion and peppers
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Season the Mixture: Add salt, black pepper, dried mustard, ketchup, and ground allspice to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
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Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
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Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Glaze (Optional): During the last 15 minutes of baking, you can brush the top of the meatloaf with additional ketchup for a glaze.
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Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve slices with your favorite side dishes.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Serves: 8 Servings
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Updated: 4 months ago