Description
Mama’s Meatloaf is a classic, comforting dish made with lean ground beef mixed with oats and flavorful seasonings, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, then baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe yields a moist and tender meatloaf with a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lbs. ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp dried rubbed sage (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ to 1 cup milk
Glaze
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, slightly beaten egg, rolled oats, dried minced onion, salt, black pepper, dried rubbed sage, Worcestershire sauce, and milk (use between ¾ to 1 cup for desired moisture). Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the meat, which keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaf: Press the meat mixture firmly but gently into a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a meatloaf pan, shaping it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Glaze: In a separate bowl, blend brown sugar, ketchup, dry mustard, and lemon juice thoroughly to make a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Apply Glaze and Bake: Pour the glaze evenly over the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes until the meatloaf is firm and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160ºF for safe consumption.
Notes
- Using 93% lean ground beef helps reduce fat while keeping the meatloaf moist.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference.
- The glaze adds a wonderful balance of sweetness and tang; you can reduce brown sugar for less sweetness.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before slicing to retain juices.
- Optional: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
