meatloaf is a simple and easy dish to make, but hard to find that “just right” recipe. after years of failed attempts, i think i have found the recipe we’ll keep forever! my husband had a second plate, which around here typically means it’s a keeper. the loaf had great flavor and was very moist.

i hope you’ll enjoy this too!

sides were creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veges, and a green salad.

yum!

Meatloaf Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (i used about a teaspoon of dried thyme)
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To Prepare:

Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the onions, garlic, and bay leaf until onions are tender, about 3 minutes. Add the red pepper and cook until pepper is tender, about 5 minutes more. Stir in parsley and thyme and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let the onion mixture cool. Discard the bay leaf.

In a large bowl, combine the beef, eggs, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of ketchup, worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and the cooled vegetables. Use your hands to mix everything together.

Transfer the mixture to the center of the baking sheet and form into a “loaf”. Coat the meat with the remaining 1/2 cup of ketchup.

Bake for 1 – 1 1/2 hours (depending on the shape of your loaf), until the meatloaf is firm. Let set for 5 minutes before slicing.

{Recipe was found here.}