Imagine a classic American dish that transforms ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family racing to the dinner table. This Criss Cross Meat Loaf isn't just another boring dinner—it's a culinary experience that combines tender, juicy meat with a tantalizing ketchup glaze and a stunning decorative top that will make your meal Instagram-worthy. Get ready to elevate your home cooking game with this foolproof recipe that promises maximum flavor and minimal effort!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meat loaf tender.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, gently pressing it down to create an even surface. Shape the meat into a uniform loaf shape, ensuring it fills the pan completely.
- Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, spread ketchup evenly across the top of the meat loaf, creating a thin, smooth layer that will caramelize during baking.
- Create a decorative criss-cross pattern on top of the ketchup layer by lightly scoring the surface with the back of a knife, making diagonal lines that intersect.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Carefully drain any excess fat, then slice the meat loaf into 1-inch thick portions. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a fat content around 15-20% for the most flavorful and moist result.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture—this can make your meat loaf tough and dense.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Let the meat loaf rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic, herbs like parsley, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the meat loaf for 2-3 minutes after baking to caramelize the ketchup glaze.
- Experiment with different glaze options like BBQ sauce or a mix of ketchup and brown sugar for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
