This Joanna Gaines-inspired meatloaf offers a deliciously savory meal with a sweet, tangy glaze that enhances the rich flavors of the beef and pork combination. It’s the perfect comfort food, with a tender texture and a hint of sweetness. Serve it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying and well-rounded dinner. The combination of flavors in this meatloaf will leave your family coming back for more, making it a go-to recipe for family meals and gatherings.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 large egg
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the milk, bread crumbs, chopped onion, bell pepper, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, and the egg. Mix until everything is fully combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or loaf pan and form into a loaf shape.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- If you like a glaze on top, brush the meatloaf with additional ketchup or BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Joanna Gaines-Inspired Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty slice of meatloaf served with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. Meatloaf has been a staple in family kitchens for generations, offering a simple yet satisfying meal that brings people together. This particular recipe is inspired by Joanna Gaines, the popular television personality, cookbook author, and home renovation expert. Known for her warm, homey style and delicious recipes, Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food done right.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why this meatloaf recipe is not just any meatloaf, but a standout choice for your dinner table. From its balanced blend of beef and pork to the perfect sweet glaze, this meatloaf offers both flavor and nutrition. Plus, it’s a dish that can be easily adapted to fit your tastes and dietary needs.
The Story Behind the Recipe
Joanna Gaines has become a beloved figure in the culinary world, not only for her home renovations on the hit show Fixer Upper, but also for her approachable cooking style that blends simplicity with flavor. Her cookbook, The Magnolia Table, showcases recipes that are family-friendly, easy to make, and full of heart.
The meatloaf recipe from Joanna’s collection is a perfect example of how traditional meals can be updated with a modern twist. By combining ground beef and pork, this meatloaf gets an extra boost of flavor and tenderness, creating a rich, juicy texture. Additionally, the sweet glaze made from ketchup and mustard provides a tangy finish that makes each bite irresistible.
Joanna’s meatloaf recipe stands out from others because it’s not just about the ingredients—it’s about the love and care you put into preparing a meal for your family. It’s a reminder that food should be both nourishing and comforting, creating lasting memories around the table.
Why This Meatloaf Recipe is the Best
There are countless ways to make meatloaf, but Joanna Gaines’ recipe brings together a few key elements that set it apart from the rest:
1. A Balanced Meat Blend:
One of the secrets to this meatloaf’s success is the combination of beef and pork. Ground beef is rich and flavorful, while the addition of ground pork makes the meatloaf juicier and more tender. The pork adds a subtle richness that you don’t get from beef alone. The two meats work together to create a meatloaf that isn’t dry or overly greasy, but perfectly balanced.
2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:
Unlike some meatloaf recipes that can be overloaded with exotic ingredients or complicated instructions, Joanna’s recipe focuses on simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find in any kitchen. The combination of bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup gives the meatloaf a savory yet slightly tangy flavor profile that everyone will love. This meatloaf is a perfect example of how great food doesn’t need to be complicated—it’s about using high-quality ingredients and letting them shine.
3. The Sweet Glaze:
What really makes this meatloaf recipe stand out is the sweet glaze that tops the meatloaf as it bakes. Made from a blend of ketchup and mustard, the glaze adds a slight sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the beef and pork. The glaze also helps the meatloaf retain moisture while it cooks, creating a caramelized exterior that’s both flavorful and visually appealing. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can easily swap out the mustard for BBQ sauce, adding your own personal touch to the dish.
4. Perfect for Family Meals:
Meatloaf is often considered the ultimate family meal, and this recipe is no exception. It’s a one-pan dinner that requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking to prepare leftovers for the week, this recipe yields generous portions that everyone will enjoy. It’s a dish that brings the family together and leaves everyone satisfied.
5. Nutritional Benefits:
While meatloaf may not always be considered a “health food,” this recipe strikes a nice balance between comfort and nutrition. The combination of ground beef and pork provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. The addition of bread crumbs and milk helps bind the meatloaf together, making it a filling meal that’s also satisfying. Plus, you can sneak in some extra vegetables, like finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to boost the nutritional content without compromising on taste.
6. Customizable to Your Preferences:
One of the best things about this meatloaf recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. If you prefer a different meat combination, you can easily swap the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken. For a lower-fat version, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey breast. You can also experiment with different seasonings or add-ins, such as garlic, fresh herbs, or grated cheese, to customize the recipe to your liking. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, simply substitute the bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for sides that will elevate your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing with meatloaf, mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food to serve alongside this savory dish. You can go classic with butter and cream or add some garlic or roasted vegetables for a twist.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make great vegetable sides that balance the richness of the meatloaf. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them the perfect complement to the savory meatloaf.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to cut through the richness of the meatloaf and add some fresh crunch to your meal.
- Cornbread: For an extra dose of comfort, cornbread is another classic choice that pairs perfectly with meatloaf.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason why this meatloaf recipe has become a fan favorite—it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for family meals. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf is approachable and foolproof. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on to deliver a satisfying and hearty meal every time.
This recipe brings a touch of nostalgia, yet it has all the modern flavors you crave. It’s a dish that feels like home, whether you’re cooking it for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a special Sunday dinner. Best of all, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your own kitchen.
Conclusion
Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf is a delicious and timeless recipe that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity. With its perfect blend of beef and pork, savory ingredients, and sweet glaze, this meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make, highly customizable, and full of heart, it’s a recipe that will become a family favorite for years to come. So, next time you’re in the mood for a warm, hearty meal, try Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf. It’s guaranteed to fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and leave your family coming back for seconds!