Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf Recipe

This Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf Recipe is a juicy and flavorful dish, which includes lean ground beef and a tangy ketchup glaze. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) good-quality lean ground beef
• 100g (about 2 cups) fresh breadcrumbs
• 150ml (2/3 cup) milk
• 2 large free-range eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Tangy Glaze:

• 150g (2/3 cup) tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon English mustard

How To Make Hairy Bikers American Meatloaf Recipe

1. Prep the oven and sauté aromatics: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / 350°F). Heat olive oil in a frying pan, cook the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the panade: Soak the fresh breadcrumbs in milk in a large bowl for a few minutes to absorb the liquid fully.
3. Combine the meatloaf mixture: Add ground beef, cooled onions and garlic, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Mix and shape the loaf: Gently mix everything by hand until just combined. Transfer to a foil-lined baking tray and shape into a loaf about 25cm (10 inches) long.
5. Start baking: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Prepare and apply glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a bowl. After 30 minutes, spoon half the glaze over the meatloaf.
7. Finish baking: Bake for another 25-30 minutes, spreading the remaining glaze over the top in the final 10 minutes. It’s done when firm and cooked through.
8. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist and tender.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep meatloaf from drying out: Soaking breadcrumbs in milk (called a panade) ensures a moist texture.
• Can I use different meat? Yes, a mix of beef and pork or even turkey can be used for variation.
• How to know when meatloaf is done: It should be firm and fully cooked; a meat thermometer should read 70°C (160°F).
• Why rest the meatloaf? Resting helps retain juices and makes for cleaner slicing.
• Can I make this ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate uncooked meatloaf for up to a day before baking.

What To Serve With American Meatloaf

This classic dish pairs well with traditional sides like:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Macaroni and cheese
• Garden salad

How To Store Meatloaf

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Wrap slices or the whole meatloaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Meatloaf Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 30g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried herbs with fresh ones?
Yes, use about three times more fresh herbs than dried for the same flavor impact.

How to reheat leftover meatloaf?
Reheat slices in the oven at 160°C (325°F) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.

Why is my meatloaf crumbly?
Overmixing or not enough binding ingredients like egg or breadcrumbs can make it fall apart.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just divide the mixture into two loaves for even cooking.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Beef Rendang Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Mediterranean Meatballs Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Nut Roast Recipe