There’s something so comforting about *thanksgiving meatloaf*. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings family together during the holidays. I remember the first time I made it for my family dinner. The aroma filled the kitchen, and my kids were dancing around, eager to dig in. It’s that blend of savory beef and turkey, all wrapped up with herbs that make your taste buds sing! Trust me, this meatloaf isn’t just for Thanksgiving; it’s a heartwarming dish that can brighten any table, making every gathering feel special. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious centerpiece!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup milk
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Meatloaf*
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want that meatloaf to cook evenly from the moment it goes in.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef and ground turkey. I love using this combo because it adds depth and keeps the meatloaf moist!
- Next, toss in the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and minced garlic. The veggies not only add flavor but also give a lovely texture that you’ll appreciate with every bite.
- Now, it’s time to add the good stuff! Pour in the ketchup, crack in the egg, and sprinkle the salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and milk. These ingredients really bring everything together and enhance the taste!
- Mix everything until it’s fully combined. I usually use my hands for this—it’s the best way to ensure everything is mixed well, and it’s kind of fun! Just make sure to wash your hands afterward, of course.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect; it’s all about that homemade charm!
- Bake in the oven for about 1 hour. You’re looking for that perfect internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Trust me, it’s worth it to avoid any guesswork.
- Once it’s done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial because it helps the juices redistribute, making every slice juicy and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make, even for beginners—just mix, shape, and bake!
- The combination of ground beef and turkey keeps it moist and flavorful, perfect for any gathering.
- It’s packed with veggies, adding not just flavor but also a delightful texture.
- This meatloaf is a fantastic make-ahead dish; it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!
- It’s versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins!
- Perfectly pairs with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, making it a true holiday centerpiece.
- Leftovers are a dream—great for sandwiches or a quick meal on the go!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up this *thanksgiving meatloaf*, I want to share a few tips that’ll help you nail it every single time. Trust me, these little tricks make a big difference!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use all ground turkey instead of the beef. It’ll still be delicious but a bit leaner! Also, feel free to swap out the breadcrumbs for oats or crushed crackers for a different texture.
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more! If you have fresh thyme or oregano, just chop them up and use about three times the amount as dried. Fresh really packs a punch!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be sure not to overmix. Mixing just until combined helps keep the meatloaf tender. You want that juicy bite, not a dense loaf!
- Moisture Check: If you find your mixture is too dry, add a splash more milk or an extra egg. The goal is to have a mixture that holds together but isn’t too stiff.
- Topping It Off: For an extra layer of flavor, spread a little more ketchup or barbecue sauce on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. It creates a lovely glaze that makes every slice pop!
- Resting is Key: Don’t skip the resting step! Letting your meatloaf sit for those 10 minutes allows it to stay juicy and makes slicing so much easier.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating a *thanksgiving meatloaf* that’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover *thanksgiving meatloaf* is just as delightful as when it’s fresh out of the oven! To store it properly, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze it! Just slice the meatloaf first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, you have a couple of options. You can pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes per slice, or if you prefer a crispy edge, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might dry out! Enjoy those juicy bites all over again!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of your *thanksgiving meatloaf* can help you enjoy it even more! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated values per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
This meatloaf is not only delicious but also offers a good balance of protein and flavor, making it a satisfying option for your holiday table. Enjoy every bite without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use only one type of meat for the meatloaf?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use just ground beef or just ground turkey, go for it! Just keep in mind that using both gives a nice balance of flavor and texture, but one type will still yield a delicious *thanksgiving meatloaf*.
How do I know when my meatloaf is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. You want to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the center, and it should no longer be pink and juices should run clear.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the meat mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It can also be fully cooked and then reheated later, making it super convenient for holiday gatherings!
What should I serve with my *thanksgiving meatloaf*?
I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. It’s a classic combo that really rounds out your dinner. But feel free to get creative—corn, roasted veggies, or even a simple salad would be great too!
Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?
Definitely! Just slice it up, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for about 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious *thanksgiving meatloaf* ready to serve, let’s talk about the best sides to make your meal complete! Trust me, these combinations will take your dinner to the next level.
- Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with a classic! Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect base to soak up all those meaty juices.
- Green Beans: Whether steamed, sautéed, or roasted, fresh green beans add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your plate. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare!
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots are a fantastic complement to the savory meatloaf. Just toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and thyme before roasting!
- Stuffing: A side of stuffing brings that cozy holiday vibe to your table. The herb flavors pair beautifully with the meatloaf.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.
- Coleslaw: For a bit of crunch and a refreshing contrast, a creamy coleslaw makes a delightful addition alongside your meatloaf.
- Garlic Bread: Who can resist some warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate!
Mix and match these sides to create a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your *thanksgiving meatloaf* feast!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Meatloaf: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love with It
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A savory meatloaf perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Add ketchup, egg, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and milk to the mixture.
- Mix until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Leftovers can be used in sandwiches.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 450mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving meatloaf
