There’s something so nostalgic about a classic meatloaf. It takes me right back to family dinners and comforting meals after a long day.
This Erin French Meatloaf Recipe is a standout with its juicy, flavorful, and tender bites—exactly what you’d expect from the master herself, Erin French of The Lost Kitchen fame.
My family loves this recipe for its simplicity and the incredible flavors it brings to the table. This meatloaf isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory in the making, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Erin French Meatloaf Recipe: Step-By-Step Guide
Erin French’s Meatloaf Recipe blends traditional ingredients with a modern twist, resulting in a moist and mouth-watering meatloaf you’ll want to make time and time again.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Dish
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 6 servings
- Calories Per Serving: Approx. 320 kcal
Ingredients
For The Meatloaf
- 1 cup bread cubes (softened in ½ cup whole milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean for the best juicy meatloaf)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For The Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Tip: For a more traditional meatloaf taste, you can substitute pecorino cheese with Parmesan or add a handful of breadcrumbs instead of bread cubes if that’s what you have on hand.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Bread Mixture
- Place the bread cubes in a bowl and pour in the milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until soft.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated carrot, chopped shallot, and grated cheese. This gives a moist meatloaf texture that’s hard to beat.
Step 2: Mix The Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked bread, and egg mixture.
- Add the thyme leaves, kosher salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
- Use your hands (or a spoon if you prefer) to gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, so be gentle for the juiciest result.
Step 3: Shape The Meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then transfer the meat mixture onto it. Form the mixture into a loaf that is roughly 4 inches broad and 8 inches long.
Step 4: Prepare And Apply The Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, reserving the rest for later.
Step 5: Bake The Meatloaf
- Bake the meatloaf for forty-five minutes in a preheated oven.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, brush on the remaining glaze, and return it to bake for another 15 minutes. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should be 160°F.
Step 6: Let It Rest And Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking; this helps lock in the juices.
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Avoiding A Dry Meatloaf: Soaking the bread in milk adds moisture and helps create a tender meatloaf. Using ground beef that isn’t too lean also contributes to a juicy texture.
- Glaze Alternative: If you’re out of Dijon mustard, try a splash of Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar for tangy, mouth-watering results.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven for best results, or microwave for a quicker option.
Serving Suggestions
For a classic meatloaf meal, serve with mashed potatoes and green beans or a fresh garden salad. If you want a twist, try pairing it with garlic bread and a tangy coleslaw.
Meatloaf also pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled lemonade or your favorite red wine.
What Is the Basic Meatloaf Formula?
The core of a meatloaf recipe is ground meat, breadcrumbs or bread cubes for structure, eggs for binding, and seasonings for flavor.
Adding vegetables like grated carrots or chopped onions keeps the loaf moist and adds depth to the flavor.
Most traditional recipes include a glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for that delicious, sticky topping.
Why Don’t You Want To Cook The Meatloaf In The Loaf Pan?
Cooking the meatloaf on a baking sheet rather than in a loaf pan allows the excess fat to drain away and the edges to caramelize.
This method prevents a soggy bottom and gives the meatloaf a better texture overall. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your ketchup and mustard are gluten-free.
Can I Prepare The Meatloaf Mixture Ahead Of Time?
Definitely. You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatloaf up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
How Do I Know If My Meatloaf Is Done?
Verify that the interior temperature has reached 160°F using a meat thermometer. This ensures the meat is fully cooked without drying out.
Can I Freeze Leftover Meatloaf?
Yes! Store each slice in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months after wrapping it with plastic wrap. Just reheat in the oven for that freshly-cooked flavor.
Closing
I hope you enjoy making this Erin French Meatloaf Recipe as much as I do. It’s simple, delicious, and bound to become a family favorite.
Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out more of my Naznin’s Kitchen recipes for other comforting dishes like this one!
Classic Erin French Meatloaf Recipe For Family Dinners
Ingredients
For The Meatloaf
- 1 cup bread cubes softened in ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium carrot grated
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80% lean for the best juicy meatloaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For The Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Bread Mixture
- Place the bread cubes in a bowl and pour in the milk. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until soft.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated carrot, chopped shallot, and grated cheese. This gives a moist meatloaf texture that’s hard to beat.
Step 2: Mix The Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked bread, and egg mixture.
- Add the thyme leaves, kosher salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
- Use your hands (or a spoon if you prefer) to gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, so be gentle for the juiciest result.
Step 3: Shape The Meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then transfer the meat mixture onto it. Form the mixture into a loaf that is roughly 4 inches broad and 8 inches long.
Step 4: Prepare And Apply The Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, reserving the rest for later.
Step 5: Bake The Meatloaf
- Bake the meatloaf for forty-five minutes in a preheated oven.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, brush on the remaining glaze, and return it to bake for another 15 minutes. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should be 160°F.
Step 6: Let It Rest And Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking; this helps lock in the juices.
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
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