Who doesn’t love a classic home-cooked meatloaf? Brenda Gantt Meatloaf Recipe takes this traditional comfort food to a whole new level.
Known for her down-to-earth cooking style, Brenda Gantt has perfected the art of making meatloaf that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
This recipe promises a flavorful, moist meatloaf with a perfect blend of spices and a tangy glaze that will leave your family asking for seconds.
Personal Experience
The first time I tried Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf, I was at a family gathering. Everyone raved about how moist and flavorful it was.
This recipe became my go-to for potlucks and cozy family dinners, always earning compliments!
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
- Baking sheet (optional, for free-form meatloaf)
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 mix)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Brenda Gantt Meatloaf Recipe – Step by Step Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Step 3:
Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the glaze: ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Step 5:
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 7:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.
Tips for Success
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but not too lean as a bit of fat adds flavor.
- Soak the bread crumbs in milk to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Do not overmix the meat; mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Experiment with the glaze by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
Variations
- Cheesy Meatloaf: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture.
- BBQ Meatloaf: Replace the ketchup in the glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Veggie-Packed Meatloaf: Add 1/2 cup finely diced bell peppers and 1/2 cup shredded carrots to the mix.
- Spicy Meatloaf: Include 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes in the meat mixture for a kick.
- Mediterranean Meatloaf: Mix in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup chopped olives.
Conclusion
This Brenda Gantt Meatloaf Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it brings both ease and heartwarming flavors to your dining table.
Enjoy the rich, comforting taste of this classic dish, perfect for any day of the year.
FAQs
What are the best side dishes to serve with this meatloaf?
Classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple garden salad pair wonderfully with Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with macaroni and cheese or roasted vegetables.
Is the Brenda Gantt Meatloaf Recipe suitable for freezing?
This meatloaf freezes beautifully. Bake it as directed, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How can I make a gluten-free version of Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf?
To make a gluten-free version of this meatloaf, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs or a substitute like crushed gluten-free cereal or oats.
Ensure all other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce, are labeled gluten-free.
Brenda Gantt Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
- Baking sheet (optional, for free-form meatloaf)
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 mix
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the glaze: ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but not too lean as a bit of fat adds flavor.
- Soak the bread crumbs in milk to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Do not overmix the meat; mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Experiment with the glaze by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
