Prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary Meatloaf Recipe that holds a delightful magical surprise in the middle! Passed down from my beloved grandma, this meatloaf has been a staple in my kitchen, making its appearance at least once a week. But recently, I decided to take it up a notch by adding a fun twist…eggs in the middle! The addition of eggs brings a remarkable element to the standard meatloaf, with its light and airy texture perfectly complementing the rich and flavorful meat.
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Settling the Meatloaf Debate
Some may say the only meatloaf they’re interested in is the band, but I say let’s settle this over dinner. This recipe is the epitome of comfort food, and those who turn away are likely missing out due to lackluster versions or childhood memories gone wrong. So, how do we transform a mediocre meatloaf into something extraordinary? It must be juicy, saucy, and bursting with flavor.
Prepare to Be Amazed
This meatloaf will knock your socks off! It meets all the requirements mentioned above, and the secret lies in its simplicity. The seasoning in this recipe consists of a blend of ground beef, onions caramelized to perfection, cracked eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed crackers. It may sound straightforward, but it’s all in the execution. We start by elevating the flavor by caramelizing the onions before incorporating them into the ground beef mixture. Once everything is assembled in one pot, it’s time to mix it all together.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
What kind of meat should I use for this meatloaf recipe?
Ground beef comes in various options, ranging from extra lean to full fat. Marbling in meat generally translates to more flavor, so the choice is yours. For this meatloaf, I used lean ground beef sourced from our own butchered cow.
Can I make a meatloaf sandwich with this recipe?
Absolutely! To make this meatloaf recipe sandwich-worthy, pack the meat mixture tightly. While a lighter texture is recommended for regular consumption, you can pack it in tightly for sandwiches. The tighter, the better!
Do I have to use Barbeque Sauce?
Not necessarily. While barbeque sauce is a popular choice for topping, you can explore other variations for the tomato sauce. Ketchup works well, or you can mix in a little sriracha ketchup if you prefer a spicy kick. Alternatively, you can use brown sugar instead of barbeque sauce to achieve a sweet and tangy flavor.
Do I have to use the egg?
Not at all! You can omit the egg altogether, or if you’re feeling adventurous, replace it with mozzarella for a cheesy meatloaf.
Can I make this Meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the meat mixture and the sauce in advance, up to a day ahead. However, it’s best to hold off on adding the eggs until right before cooking to ensure they remain soft. If you don’t mind hard-boiled eggs, you can also prepare them in advance.
How to Store the Magic Meatloaf
To store leftover magic meatloaf, allow it to cool completely before wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 cup whole milk, divided
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 5-6 soft-boiled eggs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup sweet barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, caramelized onions, minced garlic, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add half of the milk to the mixture and mix well. The texture should be soft but not runny. Add more milk if needed.
- Grease a loaf pan and add a 1-inch layer of the meat mixture.
- Place the soft-boiled eggs in a neat row in the center of the meat mixture.
- Cover the eggs with the remaining meat mixture, ensuring all edges are sealed and the meat is pressed tightly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup and sweet barbecue sauce. Spread this sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Allow the meatloaf to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into slices.
- Serve the magical meatloaf slices, revealing the surprise of the perfectly cooked soft-boiled eggs in the center.
Prepare to be enchanted by this unique twist on a classic meatloaf recipe. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you and your loved ones craving more. Enjoy the magic of this delightful meatloaf creation that will make any mealtime truly special.
