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Peppered Meat Loaf

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat or panko)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Meatloaf:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with olive oil.
  2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the greased loaf pan and shape it into a uniform loaf shape. Press it down slightly so that it cooks evenly.

Prepare the Glaze (Optional):

  1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar until smooth and combined.
  2. Apply the Glaze: Spread a thin layer of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, if using. This will create a flavorful and slightly caramelized topping.

Bake the Meatloaf:

  1. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
  2. Let it Rest: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help it set and keep its shape.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Slice and Serve: Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve with your favorite sides. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

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