Ina Garten’s Fan-Favorite Meat Loaf: A Comforting Classic
If you’re looking for a dish that embodies comfort food at its finest, look no further than Ina Garten’s fan-favorite meat loaf. This recipe, perfect for beginner cooks, is both remarkably easy and immensely satisfying. With layers of flavor and a homey touch, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets Ina’s meat loaf apart is not just the straightforward preparation but the combination of ingredients that brings out rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a small gathering, this meat loaf has a way of making everyone feel at home. Plus, Ina shares helpful tips throughout the video that enhance your cooking experience, making this recipe approachable for everyone.
Key Ingredients
- Good Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing the onions, imparting rich flavors.
- Chopped Yellow Onions: The soulful base for the meat loaf, adding sweetness and moisture when cooked down.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: A hint of herbal brightness to elevate the earthy flavors.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of your ingredients.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of umami that deepens the overall taste.
- Canned Chicken Stock or Broth: Adds moisture and richness.
- Tomato Paste: For added savoriness and to integrate seamlessly into the loaf.
- Ground Chuck: The star of the dish, known for its perfect fat-to-lean ratio, keeping the meat loaf moist.
- Plain Dry Bread Crumbs: These act as a binder, helping the meat loaf hold its shape.
- Extra-Large Eggs: They add structure and help combine the ingredients.
- Ketchup: The classic topping that creates a delicious glaze.
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees F to get ready for our meat loaf masterpiece.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium sauté pan, heat olive oil and add chopped onions, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook these ingredients over medium-low heat until the onions are translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
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Combine Flavors: Off the heat, stir in Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste, allowing the mixture to cool slightly before moving on.
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Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the ground chuck with the cooled onion mixture, bread crumbs, and beaten eggs. Use a fork for a gentle mix—avoid mashing as this can lead to a dense meat loaf.
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Shape and Bake: Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then spread ketchup on top for that classic finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 ¼ hours, or until an internal temperature of 160 degrees F is reached. For an extra tip, place a pan of hot water in the oven to prevent the top from cracking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked through, elevate your meal by serving hot, enjoying every heartwarming bite.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten’s meat loaf is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect introduction to cooking for beginners. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll feel confident whipping up this delightful dish. So grab your apron and get ready to serve up a slice of comfort at your dining table!
Watch the video by Food Network
Video “Ina Garten's Fan-Favorite Meat Loaf | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network” was uploaded on 09/20/2025 to Youtube Channel Food Network