Meatloaf with Tomato Beef Sauce – Tender & Flavorful
Introduction
Looking for a delicious recipe that’s both easy and impressive? This Meatloaf with Tomato Beef Sauce is exactly what you need! With its perfect blend of flavors and simple preparation, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Let’s get started on creating this tasty masterpiece!
Of course! Meatloaf with a tangy, savory tomato-beef sauce is the ultimate comfort food. This recipe creates a moist, flavorful meatloaf glazed with a sauce that’s a step above plain ketchup.
Classic Meatloaf with Tomato Beef Sauce
This recipe uses a “panade” (a bread-milk mixture) to ensure a tender, never-dry result. The sauce is cooked on the stovetop first to develop a deeper flavor.
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 medium onion, finely chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for moisture)
· ⅔ cup plain breadcrumbs
· ½ cup milk
· 1 large egg, beaten
· 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
· 1 tsp dried thyme
· 1 tsp paprika
· ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
For the Tomato Beef Sauce:
· 1 (8 oz / 227g) can tomato sauce
· ¼ cup ketchup
· 2 tbsp brown sugar
· 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics:
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
· Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Panade:
· In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk. This “panade” is the secret to a tender meatloaf.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
· To the bowl with the panade, add the cooked onion/garlic, ground beef, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
· Using your hands, mix just until all ingredients are combined. Do not overmix, as this will make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape and Prepare for Baking:
· On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, form the meat mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf shape. (Using a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan allows for better air circulation and a crust on all sides).
- Make the Tomato Beef Sauce:
· In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Glaze and Bake:
· Spoon about half of the sauce over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
· Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Add Remaining Glaze and Finish Baking:
· Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully spoon the remaining sauce over the top.
· Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
· For best results, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister slice.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf
· Don’t Overmix: Use your hands and mix until the ingredients are just incorporated. Overworking the meat makes it dense.
· The Panade is Non-Negotiable: The breadcrumb-milk mixture is the most important step for preventing dry, crumbly meatloaf.
· Check the Temperature: A meat thermometer is your best friend. Pull it out at 160°F for perfectly cooked beef.
· Let it Rest! This is crucial for a moist meatloaf that doesn’t fall apart when you slice it.
· Customize It: Feel free to add ½ cup of finely chopped bell pepper or celery to the onion when sautéing.
Serving Suggestions
· The Classic: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans or steamed broccoli.
· Comfort Food Plate: Perfect with macaroni and cheese and roasted carrots.
· Sandwiches: Meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches the next day, served cold or warm on toasted bread with a little mayo.
Enjoy this hearty, satisfying classic
Conclusion
Congratulations on making this delicious Meatloaf with Tomato Beef Sauce! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.
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