Introduction
Transform humble ground beef into elegant, flavorful meatloaves with this incredibly easy recipe! Ready in under an hour, these garlic parmesan beauties are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We’ll elevate simple ingredients with a few clever tricks, resulting in a dish that tastes far more impressive than the minimal effort required. Get ready to impress!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance of savory and umami. The garlic and parmesan cheese deliver a powerful punch of flavor, while the breadcrumbs provide a satisfying texture. It’s incredibly accessible, using pantry staples and readily available ingredients. The result is a show-stopping meal that requires minimal fuss and cleanup.
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 🍞 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 🥚 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 🍅 ½ cup tomato sauce
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatloaves.
3️⃣ Shape the mixture into two or three equal-sized loaves. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the meatloaves.
5️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatloaves are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
6️⃣ Let the meatloaves rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to substitute Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for plain breadcrumbs. You can also use a combination of parmesan and romano cheese for a sharper flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 ½ teaspoons of garlic powder.
- Handling Techniques: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaves tough.
- What to Avoid: Don’t overbake the meatloaves, as they will become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures even cooking and prevents the meatloaves from burning on the outside before cooking through on the inside. Visual cues for doneness include a golden-brown top and the internal temperature reaching 160°F (71°C).
Crunch Factor
While these meatloaves aren’t crunchy, the breadcrumbs provide a pleasing texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender ground beef.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Layering: For a more visually appealing dish, arrange the meatloaves in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Prep Short-cuts: Mince the garlic ahead of time to save time.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Storage Tips
Store leftover meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These meatloaves aren’t traditionally giftable in their baked form, but you could gift the unbaked meatloaf mixture, packaged beautifully in a reusable container with instructions.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Mediterranean Meatloaves: Add ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
🌟 Spicy Meatloaves: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
🌟 Mushroom Meatloaves: Sauté ½ cup of sliced mushrooms and add them to the meatloaf mixture.
🌟 Cheesy Jalapeño Meatloaves: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2-3 chopped jalapeños.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Meatloaves: If your meatloaves are dry, you may have overbaked them. Next time, reduce the baking time slightly and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature. Adding a little extra tomato sauce can help.
- Overcooked Meatloaves: Overcooked meatloaves will be tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature carefully.
- Ingredient Swaps: See “Handy Tips” for suggestions on ingredient substitutions.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these meatloaves? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked meatloaf mixture or cooked meatloaves for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How can I scale this recipe? Easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people.
- Are these gluten-free? No, this recipe contains breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Are these dairy-free? No, this recipe contains parmesan cheese. Omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Can I use other ground meats? You can experiment with ground turkey or a mixture of ground beef and pork.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy these irresistible garlic parmesan meatloaves! They’re a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor variations and share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf: Irresistible & Easy
A deliciously moist meatloaf infused with garlic and topped with a rich Parmesan crust.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Mix until well combined, but do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 70u00b0C (160u00b0F).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add some Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.