Okay, settle in, because we need to talk about Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme. This isn’t just *any* meatloaf recipe. This is THE meatloaf recipe. The one that instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen, the smell of it filling the house, promising a truly happy dinner. My dad wasn’t a fancy cook, not by a long shot, but this meatloaf? This was his masterpiece. He had a few tricks up his sleeve, little things he did that made his stand out from the dry, sad meatloaves you sometimes encounter. And today, I’m sharing his secrets with you. Get ready to make Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme, the kind of comfort food that warms your soul and gets everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me on this one, it’s a game-changer.
He’d make Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme on a chilly Sunday, usually after we’d spent the afternoon doing yard work or just hanging out watching the game. It felt like a reward, you know? Hearty, flavorful, and just… perfect. It’s simple, yes, but sometimes the simplest things are the absolute best. This recipe is tried and true, passed down from his hands to mine, and now, I get to pass it to you. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory, a connection to home, and a reminder of how good food can make you feel.
Why You’ll Love Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Honestly? Because it’s just *good*. Like, really, really good. It hits all the right notes – it’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s genuinely easy to pull together, even on a busy weeknight. This Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, zero complicated steps, which is always a win in my book!
The Comfort of Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Okay, so picture this: a chilly evening, everyone’s a little tired, and then you put this gorgeous, steaming meatloaf on the table. That’s the magic of Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of home, of cozy dinners, and just the simple pleasure of a truly satisfying meal. It’s got that nostalgic vibe that just can’t be beat.
Simple Steps for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make this work, I promise! Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme is wonderfully straightforward. We’re talking basic ingredients, a little mixing, shaping, and into the oven it goes. Seriously, if you can mix things in a bowl, you can make this meatloaf. It’s perfect for beginners and a reliable go-to for seasoned cooks when you just need something easy and delicious.
Equipment for Making Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Luckily, you don’t need anything fancy to whip up Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme. You’ll definitely need a big mixing bowl – the bigger the better, trust me, it makes mixing so much easier! A standard loaf pan, about 9×5 inches, is perfect for shaping and baking. And a smaller bowl for mixing up that glorious glaze is a must. That’s pretty much it! See? Simple!
Ingredients for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic starts for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme. We’re keeping it classic and simple, just like Dad liked it. You’ll need a good two pounds of ground beef – I usually go for 80/20, it has just the right amount of fat for flavor and moisture. Then grab about a cup of plain breadcrumbs (the dried kind is fine!), half a cup of milk, and one large egg to help bind everything together. For some flavor punch, get a quarter cup each of finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, plus two cloves of garlic, minced up nice and small. Don’t forget your basic seasonings: a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. And for that signature glaze? We need a quarter cup of ketchup, two tablespoons of brown sugar (packed!), and a splash, maybe a tablespoon, of Worcestershire sauce. That’s it! Simple, right?
How to Make Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Okay, deep breath! Making Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme is super easy, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a seriously delicious dinner on your hands. It’s all about getting the mix right and then letting the oven do its thing.
Preparing the Mixture for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
First things first, get that oven preheating to 375°F (that’s 190°C). While it’s warming up, grab your biggest mixing bowl. Toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and that egg. Now, for the veggies – add your chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper too. Here’s Dad’s key: mix until *just* combined. Don’t overwork it! You want everything incorporated, but you don’t want to make it tough. Use your hands if you want – it’s the best way to get a feel for it – but be gentle.
Shaping and Baking Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it. Just form it into a nice, even loaf shape. Place it right in the center of your baking dish. No need to grease the dish unless you really want to, the meatloaf will release some fat. Once it’s shaped, pop it into the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. This gives it a head start before we add that amazing glaze.
The Perfect Glaze for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
While the meatloaf is baking, whip up the glaze! In that small bowl we talked about, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until it’s smooth and the brown sugar is dissolved. After that initial 25-30 minutes of baking, carefully pull the meatloaf out of the oven and spread that glorious glaze all over the top. Get it nice and even!
Resting Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Put the meatloaf back in the oven for another 25-30 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This is important for food safety! Once it’s cooked, the hardest part: take it out and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping your Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme wonderfully moist. Seriously, don’t skip the rest!
Tips for Perfecting Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme, but here are a few little things I’ve picked up that really make a difference. First, don’t skimp on the quality of your ground beef – a little fat is good for flavor and moisture! Also, remember that gentle mixing? Seriously, don’t mush it to death. Just combine everything until it holds together. And when it comes to doneness, trust your thermometer! Aim for 160°F in the center. That little rest time before slicing is non-negotiable – it keeps all those delicious juices right where they should be.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
So, Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme is pretty forgiving, which is great! While the original is ground beef all the way, you absolutely *can* swap it out. Ground turkey or even a mix of ground beef and pork works wonderfully if that’s what you prefer or have on hand. Just remember that leaner meats might make it a tiny bit drier, so you might need a splash more milk. Also, feel free to get creative with the veggies! Finely diced carrots or celery are great additions for extra flavor and a little color. Don’t like green pepper? Leave it out or use red! It’s your kitchen, make it work for you!
Serving Suggestions for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Alright, you’ve made the glorious Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme, now let’s talk about the perfect partners for this king of comfort food! You absolutely *have* to go with classic mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are basically meatloaf’s soulmate. And don’t forget the gravy! You can make a simple pan gravy from the drippings or use a packet, no judgment here! Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are always a great addition to get some greens on the plate. Seriously, this meal is a winner every single time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
Okay, so you might have a few questions popping up as you get ready to make Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme. Totally normal! Here are some common ones I get asked, hopefully, they help you out!
Can I Make Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can definitely make the meatloaf mixture a day ahead of time. Just mix everything up, shape the loaf, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time, just pop it in the baking dish, add the glaze, and bake as directed. Might need an extra few minutes in the oven since it’s cold, but it works great!
How Do I Know When Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme is Cooked Through?
The absolute best way to know for sure is with an instant-read thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the loaf – you’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The glaze should also look bubbly and browned. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the center a little bit; the meat should be brown all the way through with no pink spots.
Can I Use Different Meat in Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme?
Yep! While Dad’s original was all ground beef, this recipe is pretty flexible. You can use ground turkey for a lighter option, or even a mix of beef, pork, and veal (sometimes called “meatloaf mix” at the store) for a classic diner-style flavor. Just remember that leaner meats might need a tiny bit more moisture, so don’t be afraid to add another splash of milk or even some extra finely grated veggies.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional info for Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme. While I aim to give you the most accurate estimate I can, please remember that these numbers are just that – an estimate! The actual nutritional values can totally change depending on the specific type of ground beef you use, the brand of breadcrumbs or ketchup, and any little tweaks or substitutions you make. So, take it as a helpful guide, but don’t treat it as gospel!
Share Your Experience with Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme
So, you made Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme! How did it turn out? I absolutely *love* hearing from you guys! Please hop down to the comments and let me know how it went. Did your family love it as much as mine does? Feel free to rate the recipe too! And if you snap a photo, share it on social media and tag me! I’d love to see your delicious creation!
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Dad’s Favorite Meatloaf Supreme: Pure 160° Bliss
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Classic meatloaf recipe, a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, ground beef, comfort food, family dinner, classic recipe