Classic Meat Loaf

Nothing says All American Home cooked Meal like a good ol' fashioned Classic Meat Loaf.  I will be the first to admit that in the past, meat loaf has been my culinary Achilles heal.  It either had great flavor, but fell apart, or held together nicely, but was bland.  However, through a lot of trial and error, I have come up with the perfect meat loaf recipe that will guarantee success every single time! 

Let me show you how I did it! 



Classic Meat Loaf:
*Prep Time: 20 min.  *Cook Time:  1 hr. 15 min. *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings:  8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb. Ground Beef
• 2 Eggs
• 3/4 c. Milk
• 2/3 c. Quick Cooking Oats
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. Parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp. Oregano, dried
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Pepper
• BBQ Sauce

Tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Baking sheet
• Foil

Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees.

In order to get a nice, tender, and moist meat loaf, you will need to add a little milk to the eggs. 

Whisk the eggs and milk until they are totally combined.

Now, add the quick oats,

Onions (you will want to make sure they are finely chopped.  You may even want use a box grater.),

Parsley,

Oregano,

Salt,

And pepper.

Now, whisk everything together, allowing the oats to absorb some of the liquid.

Now you can add the ground beef.

Using your hands, gently work all of the ingredients into the meat.

This will be a wet mixture.  You may even be tempted to add more oats, but please resist.

It is just as it should be. 

Now, on a foil lined baking sheet, place the meat mixture, and shape it into a loaf.

Pour a little of the BBQ Sauce over the loaf.

Yes, I know that usually you would use ketchup here, but I really like the sweet and tangy flavor that BBQ sauce gives.

Place in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and pour another coat of BBQ sauce.

Return to the oven and cook another 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow it to set for 10 minutes.

And there you have it!  A perfectly moist and flavorful meat loaf that I am sure your entire family will enjoy!  Serve it up with some tender peas and carrots and even a side of home made mac and cheese!  It is sure to be a weeknight hit!

As always,

~The Kitchen Wife~

Classic Meat Loaf:
*Prep Time: 20 min.  *Cook Time:  1 hr. 15 min. *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings:  8-10

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb. Ground Beef
• 2 Eggs
• 3/4 c. Milk
• 2/3 c. Quick Cooking Oats
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. Parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp. Oregano, dried
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Pepper
• BBQ Sauce

Tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Baking sheet
• Foil

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
• To the egg and milk mixture, add the oats, onions, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper.
• Whisk together.
• Add the ground beef.
• With your hands, gently combine all of the ingredients together.
• On a baking sheet lined with foil, place the meat mixture and shape in into a loaf. 
• Pour a little of the BBQ Sauce over the top and place in the oven.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and add some more BBQ sauce over the top.
• Place back into the oven and bake for 45 more minutes.
• After 45 minutes, remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. 
• Serve with your favorite side dishes, and ENJOY!