There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of a home-cooked meal that fills the air, conjuring up memories of family gatherings and cherished moments around the dining table. If you’re a fan of both homey flavors and celebrity chef Joanna Gaines, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into the heart of comfort food with a twist as we explore none other than Joanna Gaines meatloaf recipe.
For those familiar with Joanna Gaines, her name is synonymous with warmth, creativity, and a passion for turning houses into homes. While she’s renowned for her interior design skills and captivating television presence, her culinary expertise often takes a back seat. But let me assure you, her Joanna Gaines meatloaf recipe is a hidden gem that encapsulates everything we love about comfort food – simple, hearty, and irresistibly delicious.
How to make Joanna Gaines Meatloaf
Joanna Gaines meatloaf is a classic and hearty American dish that has been given a touch of her unique culinary style. Joanna Gaines, widely recognized for her interior design skills and her role in the television show “Fixer Upper,” also has a knack for creating comforting and flavorful recipes that resonate with the essence of home. Her meatloaf recipe is a testament to this, capturing the heartwarming familiarity of traditional meatloaf while infusing it with her creative twists.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your meatloaf is prepared and ready for baking.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Incorporate Flavors: Add the eggs, grated cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Using a spoon, gently mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf shape. Ensure that the meatloaf is evenly packed to promote even cooking.
- Add the Topping: Spread ketchup over the meatloaf, creating a flavorful and slightly sweet glaze that will caramelize as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 to 1 hour and 13 minutes. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven’s accuracy and the thickness of your meatloaf.
- Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf is cooked through, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Ground Beef: Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf recipe uses 85% lean ground beef, which balances flavor and moisture. Leaner meats might result in a drier meatloaf.
- Use Fresh or Dried Herbs: While the recipe calls for dried thyme and oregano, you can also use fresh herbs if available. Just keep in mind that the intensity of flavors might differ, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture when combining the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough and dense meatloaf. Mix until everything is just combined.
- Test for Doneness: To ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 160°F (71°C) when inserted into the center of the meatloaf.
- Customize the Topping: If you prefer a different glaze, experiment with alternatives to ketchup. Barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, or a mixture of honey and mustard are all great options.
What to serve with
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic companion to meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and indulgent side. Their smooth texture and buttery flavor create a perfect harmony with the rich and savory profile of Joanna Gaines meatloaf. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream to elevate your mashed potatoes even further.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables bring color, flavor, and nutrition to your plate. Consider pairing your meatloaf with a medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness and caramelization of the vegetables contrast beautifully with the savory notes of the meatloaf.
- Green Beans Almondine: For a lighter side option, green beans almondine is an excellent choice. Blanched green beans are sautéed with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon zest, creating a refreshing and vibrant accompaniment to the Joanna Gaines meatloaf.
- Garlic Herb Bread: A warm and crusty garlic herb bread can be the perfect vehicle for sopping up the delicious juices from the meatloaf. Whether you opt for a baguette, ciabatta, or rustic loaf, the bread’s texture and flavor add another layer of satisfaction to your meal.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with fresh romaine lettuce, garlicky croutons, tangy Caesar dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf. The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad a delightful addition to your meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: For a comforting and indulgent side dish, consider serving macaroni and cheese. Its creamy and cheesy goodness pairs well with the savory flavors of the meatloaf, creating a lovely and nostalgic duo.
- Cornbread: Cornbread, with its slightly sweet and buttery taste, can add a Southern-inspired touch to your meal. The combination of cornbread and Joanna Gaines meatloaf embodies comfort food at its finest.
- Coleslaw: For a refreshing and tangy side, coleslaw provides a pleasing crunch and a burst of flavor. The contrast between the cool, creamy coleslaw and warm, savory Joanna Gaines meatloaf is delightful.
- Gravy: To add an extra layer of richness, consider serving your meatloaf with a savory gravy. A simple beef or mushroom gravy can enhance the flavors of the meatloaf and any side dishes you choose.
Final Thoughts
Joanna Gaines meatloaf recipe is a true testament to the power of simple, home-cooked comfort food. With its blend of classic ingredients and thoughtful twists, this recipe exemplifies Joanna’s signature style of cooking that resonates with so many. Incorporating fresh herbs, flavorful seasonings, and the surprise ingredient of milk-soaked bread sets this meatloaf apart from the rest.
More Delicious Meat Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready when your meatloaf is prepared and ready for baking.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Incorporate Flavors: Add the eggs, grated cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Using a spoon, gently mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf shape. Ensure that the meatloaf is evenly packed to promote even cooking.
- Add the Topping: Spread ketchup over the meatloaf, creating a flavorful and slightly sweet glaze that will caramelize as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 to 1 hour and 13 minutes. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven's accuracy and the thickness of your meatloaf.
- Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf is cooked through, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
