Introduction to Million Dollar Meatloaf
What is Million Dollar Meatloaf?
Million Dollar Meatloaf is not your average weeknight dinner. This delightful dish features a juicy blend of ground beef, savory spices, and a unique touch of pepper jelly, giving it a sweet-and-sour kick that elevates it far beyond traditional meatloaf. Think luscious, flavorful layers that keep everyone coming back for seconds! If you're looking to impress your family or guests with minimal effort, this recipe could become your new go-to meal.
The Story Behind the Recipe
The origins of this beloved recipe are somewhat ambiguous, often claimed by various families across the U.S. as a cherished classic. It’s known to evoke nostalgia, perhaps serving as a centerpiece for family gatherings or a comforting weekday meal. The name “million dollar” perfectly encapsulates not just its tantalizing flavors but also the feeling of luxury that comes with each slice. What sets this meatloaf apart—besides that unexpected zing of pepper jelly—is its simplicity and the heartwarming memories it creates.
Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this million dollar meatloaf will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas while delivering incredible taste. It's hard to believe a dish this simple can be so rewarding! Want to explore more comforting recipes? Check out Southern Living for ideas that fit any occasion.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Meatloaf
Essential ingredients for a flavor-packed meatloaf
When it comes to the million dollar meatloaf, you'll want to gather some essential ingredients that not only create a savory dish but also bring warmth to your kitchen. Here’s what you need:
- Crushed Buttery Crackers: 1 ½ cups add a nice texture and flavor.
- Evaporated Milk: ⅔ cup binds the mixture beautifully, ensuring moisture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 ½ tablespoons give that umami kick.
- Ground Beef: 2 pounds of 85% lean offers just the right balance of flavor and fat.
- Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binder, holding your meatloaf together.
With these ingredients, you're already on your way to a delightful meal!
Optional ingredients to customize your dish
Now, let’s talk about customizing your million dollar meatloaf. Feel free to get creative with these optional ingredients:
- Pepper Jelly: 3 tablespoons adds a sweet, tangy glaze—perfect if you love that contrast.
- Garlic and Onion: Freshly grated garlic and sweet onion enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Ketchup: A classic topping, but consider mixing it up with barbecue sauce or even sriracha for a spicy kick.
By adjusting the ingredients to your taste, your meatloaf can become a true reflection of your culinary style. For additional fun pairings, take a look at this guide on meatloaf toppings!
Preparing Million Dollar Meatloaf
Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I promise, making this Million Dollar Meatloaf is an enjoyable process! Let’s step through each part together, ensuring that you’re set up for delicious success.
Prepping Your Kitchen and Ingredients
Before diving into mixing your ingredients, let’s get organized! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C for our international friends!). While the oven is heating, gather your ingredients to keep everything within reach. You’ll need:
- Cooking spray
- 1 ½ cups crushed buttery crackers (Ritz work wonderfully)
- Evaporated milk, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and more.
Make sure your kitchen workspace is clean, and have a large mixing bowl ready. A little preparation goes a long way in making cook time enjoyable!
Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients
In our large mixing bowl, begin by combining the crushed crackers with the evaporated milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Then, whisk in the eggs, grated garlic, and sweet onion—it’s the aromatics that will make your Million Dollar Meatloaf shine. Once blended, add the 2 pounds of ground beef into the mix and gently incorporate it with your hands. This is where you can really feel the dish come together.
Shaping and Placing the Meatloaf
Now comes the fun part: shaping your meatloaf! Once everything is well mixed, transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking dish. Shape it into a freeform loaf about 9 x 4 inches. It doesn't have to be perfect; rustic is charming! This will help the heat circulate evenly as it cooks. Place it on the lined sheet pan to catch the drippings for easy clean-up.
Baking the Meatloaf to Perfection
With your oven preheated and meatloaf shaped, it's time to bake! Place your meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. This initial bake allows the meatloaf to firm up. During this time, whisk together the ketchup and pepper jelly for the glaze that gives this dish its million-dollar twist.
Final Touches and Serving
After the first bake, carefully remove your meatloaf and brush on the sweet and tangy ketchup mixture. Pop it back into the oven for another 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for about 5 minutes once it's out of the oven. This resting period makes slicing easier and ensures juicy meatloaf slices. Serve your Million Dollar Meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes or green beans, and watch your friends and family delight in every bite!
Creating this flavorful meatloaf isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the joy of cooking and sharing. Happy cooking!
Variations on Million Dollar Meatloaf
Spicy Italian Meatloaf
Looking to add a kick to your million dollar meatloaf? Try a spicy Italian twist! Incorporate Italian sausage into your beef mixture and season with the classic flavors of oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Top it off with a zesty marinara sauce instead of ketchup for a vibrant finish. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Vegetarian Meatloaf Options
For those seeking a veggie-friendly alternative, why not whip up a plant-based million dollar meatloaf? Use lentils, black beans, or chickpeas as the base. Combine these with oats, vegetables, and your favorite spices to achieve a hearty texture. You can even replace the eggs with flaxseed meal for binding. It's a delicious way to enjoy a classic dish without the meat!
For more creative ideas, explore The Kitchn or check out Minimalist Baker for more vegetarian options.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Million Dollar Meatloaf
Ensuring Moistness and Flavor
To achieve that tender and juicy million dollar meatloaf, consider using evaporated milk for extra richness. Mixing in grated onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget to let it rest for five minutes after baking; this helps retain those delicious juices!
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One common pitfall is over-mixing the meat mixture, which can lead to a dense loaf. Mix just until combined for a light texture. Also, ensure your oven is preheated properly; baking at a consistent temperature is key to achieving that perfect exterior and juicy center. For additional tips, check out this guide on common meatloaf mistakes.
Serving suggestions for Million Dollar Meatloaf
Ideal sides to complement your meal
To elevate your Million Dollar Meatloaf, consider pairing it with classic sides that bring comfort and flavor. Here are a few suggestions:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they balance the meatloaf perfectly.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a delightful crunch and earthiness to your plate.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing side that contrasts beautifully with the savory meatloaf.
- Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds offer a touch of elegance.
Creative ways to serve leftovers
Leftovers can be just as exciting! Transform your Million Dollar Meatloaf into:
- Meatloaf Sandwiches: Layer slices between toasted bread with mayo and pickles for a quick lunch.
- Meatloaf Tacos: Crumble the meatloaf into taco shells, topped with salsa, avocado, and cheese.
- Shepherd's Pie: Use leftovers as a base, topped with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
With these serving suggestions, your Million Dollar Meatloaf will shine bright, whether it’s fresh out of the oven or creatively reused!
Time Breakdown for Million Dollar Meatloaf
When you're craving a comforting yet impressive dish, our million dollar meatloaf is the answer! Below is a quick time breakdown to help you plan your meal prep effectively.
Preparation Time
Getting started is easy! You'll need about 10 minutes to gather your ingredients, mix them together, and shape the meatloaf.
Cooking Time
Once your meatloaf is in the oven, it will take approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to bake to perfection. This includes the initial 35 minutes of baking followed by another 30 minutes after applying the sweet and tangy topping.
Total Time
In just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can have a delicious million dollar meatloaf ready for the dinner table, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
For more tips on meal planning, you might find this meal prep guide helpful. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Facts for Million Dollar Meatloaf
Understanding the nutritional impact of your meals is essential—especially with a beloved comfort food like million dollar meatloaf. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect per serving:
Calories per serving
Each slice of this delightful meatloaf packs approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying option without overloading on the calorie count.
Protein content
With a robust 22 grams of protein per serving, the million dollar meatloaf is an excellent choice for those looking to boost their protein intake—perfect for an energy-filled weeknight!
Sodium levels
Be mindful of sodium levels, which sit around 700 mg per serving. Individuals watching their sodium intake might want to adjust seasoning or choose lower-sodium ingredients.
For more in-depth information on meal planning and nutrients, check out Nutrition Data for a deeper dive into food labels and nutritional breakdowns!
FAQs about Million Dollar Meatloaf
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to mix things up, consider using ground turkey for a leaner option, or even a blend of ground beef and chicken for added flavor. Both alternatives work wonderfully while keeping the dish moist and satisfying.
What can I use instead of pepper jelly?
Not a fan of pepper jelly? No problem! You can easily swap it out for classic barbecue sauce or even apricot jam to maintain that sweet-tangy flavor. These alternatives will complement the million dollar meatloaf beautifully and keep it moist.
How do I store leftover meatloaf?
Storing your leftover million dollar meatloaf is simple. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. You can also freeze portions for later enjoyment! Just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating for the best results.
For more tips on preserving your dishes, check out this resource.
Conclusion on Million Dollar Meatloaf
In summary, this million dollar meatloaf transforms an everyday dish into a flavorful and comforting experience. With its blend of ingredients and a hint of sweetness from the pepper jelly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Give it a try and watch your family’s smiles grow!
Million Dollar Meatloaf
Equipment
- Oven
- baking dish
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1.5 cups crushed buttery crackers such as Ritz
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 1.5 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic grated on a Microplane
- 1 medium sweet onion 7 oz., grated
- 2 lb. 85% lean ground beef
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 3 Tbsp. pepper jelly
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with foil; coat foil with cooking spray.
- Stir together cracker crumbs, evaporated milk, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, eggs, garlic, and onion in a large bowl. Add beef to bowl; mix well (with hands) to combine. Turn beef mixture out onto prepared pan and shape into a 9 x 4-inch freeform loaf.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together ketchup and pepper jelly in a medium bowl.
- Remove meatloaf from oven (leave oven on). Pat away drippings and cooked proteins from around the meatloaf. Spread ketchup mixture over meatloaf and return to oven.
- Bake until a thermometer inserted in center registers 165°F, about 30 minutes. Remove meatloaf from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Cut into 12 slices.
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