01 -
First things first, get that oven going! I usually set mine to 350°F (175°C) right away, so it's good and hot by the time I'm ready. Then, grab a standard loaf pan and give it a light spray with cooking oil. Nothing worse than a meatloaf stuck to the pan, right? I learned that the hard way after scraping bits off for what felt like an eternity. A little prep saves a lot of frustration, honestly.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, empty that magical packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Add your breadcrumbs and give them a quick whisk to combine. This ensures the flavor gets distributed evenly. I once dumped everything in at once, and ended up with pockets of intense onion flavor and bland spots. Not ideal! A quick mix here makes all the difference, trust me.
03 -
Now, crack in your egg, pour in the milk, and give that a gentle mix with the dry ingredients until just combined. You don't want to overmix here, or things can get tough. This step smells subtly savory already, a hint of the deliciousness to come! It's starting to look like something, which always feels good.
04 -
Time for the ground beef! Add it to your bowl with the wet and dry mixture. Now, this is where you get your hands dirty, literally. Gently, and I mean gently, mix everything together. Use your hands; a spoon just doesn't get it done. The goal is to combine, not to knead. Overmixing will make your meatloaf dense and tough, a mistake I made often when I first started cooking. Feel that texture, it should be soft and pliable.
05 -
Once everything is just combined, transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Gently press it down and shape it into a loaf. Don't pack it in too tightly, as that can also lead to a dense meatloaf. Think of it like a nice, relaxed shape. I usually smooth the top a bit with the back of a spoon. It's starting to look like a proper dinner, and the anticipation is building!
06 -
Spread a generous layer of ketchup over the top of the loaf. This isn't just for looks; it caramelizes into a delicious crust. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The kitchen will smell amazing, like pure comfort food. When it comes out, the ketchup will be bubbly and slightly browned, and the meatloaf will be beautifully golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps keep it juicy. Honestly, this is my favorite part, seeing that golden-brown crust!