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meat loaf easy recipe
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This easy meatloaf recipe features a hidden layer of creamy, tangy cream cheese in the center, ensuring a perfectly moist and tender loaf that is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for meatloaf)
- 3/4 tsp sea salt (for meatloaf)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (for cream cheese)
- Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 5-7 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, black pepper, and the cooled aromatics. Mix gently by hand until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon sea salt until smooth.
- Assemble Loaf: Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the meat, leaving a small border. Top with the remaining meat mixture, gently pressing to seal the filling inside.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining 1 teaspoon smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Bake Meatloaf: Brush half of the prepared glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes, then brush with the remaining glaze. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cutting board and slicing.
Notes
To achieve a tender result, be sure not to overmix the meatloaf ingredients. Resting the meatloaf for 10-15 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute and ensures cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470 calories
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 100mg