Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe! This dish is an absolute game-changer in my kitchen. It’s so flavorful and packed with deliciousness, yet it’s super easy to whip up—perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners! The combination of juicy ground beef, aromatic garlic, and that rich, nutty parmesan cheese creates a flavor explosion that you just can’t resist. And the best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients. Trust me, once you try this meatloaf, it will become a staple in your home. Cozy up with a slice and some mashed potatoes, and you’ll be in comfort food heaven!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef – I prefer using lean ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and less grease.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – This helps to bind everything together and gives the meatloaf a lovely texture.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Trust me, this adds a rich, nutty flavor that really elevates the dish!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic is a must for that aromatic kick.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley – This adds a pop of color and freshness; don’t skip it!
- 1 egg – This acts as a binder, helping to keep everything together.
- 1/4 cup milk – Just enough moisture to keep the meatloaf juicy.
- 1 tsp salt – Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – A little heat to balance out the richness.
How to Prepare the Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crust. I like to set the oven at the beginning, so I know it’s nice and hot by the time I’m ready to pop the meatloaf in!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to combine all those delicious ingredients! Start with the ground beef, then add the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, milk, salt, and black pepper. Now, here’s the fun part: get in there with your hands and mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t be shy! You want all those flavors to mingle and get cozy. Just be careful not to overmix, or your meatloaf might turn out a bit tough. You’re aiming for a nicely blended mixture that holds together well.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Now that your mixture is ready, shape it into a loaf—about the size of a football works great. Place it in a baking dish, and you’re ready to bake! Slide it into your preheated oven and let it cook for about 1 hour. You’ll want to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (70°C) for safety. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes, and you’ll be so excited for that first slice!
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once the meatloaf is done, resist the urge to dive in right away! Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice extra juicy and flavorful. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! After it’s rested, grab a sharp knife and slice away. You’re about to enjoy a mouthwatering meal!
Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Packed with flavor from garlic and parmesan that everyone will love.
- Perfectly comforting and satisfying—just like a warm hug!
- Great for leftovers, so you’ll have tasty meals for days.
- Family-friendly, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Just blend it enough until everything is incorporated—this keeps your meatloaf tender and juicy. If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider mixing in some Italian seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Also, using fresh garlic instead of powdered can really amp up the taste, so I highly recommend it! When shaping your loaf, try to form it with a slight dome on top; this helps it cook evenly. Lastly, feel free to top your meatloaf with a bit of ketchup or barbecue sauce before baking for a delicious glaze! Trust me, these little tweaks will take your meatloaf from good to absolutely fabulous!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf ready, let’s talk sides! I absolutely love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up all those delicious juices! Roasted green beans are another fantastic option; their slight crunch adds a nice contrast. You can also whip up some buttery corn or a fresh garden salad for a pop of color and freshness. Whatever you choose, it’s all about creating a cozy, comforting meal that you and your family will enjoy together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, slice it up and store those pieces in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of my Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf: about 250 calories, 12g of fat, 20g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. It also contains around 600mg of sodium and 2g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But wow, isn’t it nice to enjoy a delicious dish that’s still relatively healthy?
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that it may need a bit more seasoning, so feel free to add some extra spices.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it for a few hours or even overnight before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven for even cooking.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover meatloaf is fantastic in sandwiches, or you can crumble it over a salad for a hearty lunch. It also reheats beautifully!
Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
This can happen if there isn’t enough binder (like egg or breadcrumbs) or if it’s overmixed. Make sure to follow the ingredient ratios and mix just until combined. You’ll have a perfect loaf every time!
Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Definitely! Just slice it up and wrap each piece tightly before freezing. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep!
Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious garlic parmesan meatloaf that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf, Meatloaf Recipe, Easy Meatloaf