This Classic Meatloaf Recipe With A Family Friendly Twist is a recipe that I go to when I want a dependable and delicious dinner. Nothing fancy, just something simple and comforting. And a sure thing for a great dinner and sandwiches the next day.
But with a twist!
I simply swap out the ketchup for Heinz Chili Sauce. It’s a zesty tomato-based glaze that hits a perfect sweet and savory balance. It can be found in the condiments aisle usually near the ketchup.
It’s family-friendly.
The chili sauce isn’t spicy and there’s not a chili pepper flavor so if you’re cooking for people that prefer non-spicy foods but still love a zesty flavor, then this one is for you!
A classic meatloaf recipe.
All the usual suspects make an appearance in this meatloaf recipe. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk (called a “Panade”) beaten eggs, chili sauce, diced onions, garlic, and seasonings.
The meat in meatloaf.
I’ve found a ground beef or ground chuck mix works great. You could sub in ground pork for a 1/2 pork & 1/2 beef mixture if that’s what you have on-hand. As far as beef fat content, I usually go for an economical 85/15 or 93/7 if I can find it on sale. Either way, the higher the fat content, the greater chance you’ll need to skim off some juices that accumulate around the edges when baking. I usually let it bake undisturbed, then when I pull it out of the oven I’ll drain or spoon out the excess liquid.
What about side dishes?
What goes best with this classic meatloaf recipe? We’ll go for buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or my family’s favorite – Au Gratin Potatoes that bake alongside the meatloaf.
If you’re in the mood for family favorite recipes you might also like Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells.
Classic Meatloaf Recipe With A Family Friendly Twist
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 bottle Heinz Chili Sauce, divided
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic, fresh minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, fresh chopped
- 1 tsp oregano, dried
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- dash cayenne pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef or chuck 85/15 or your preferrence
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375f.
- In a large mixing bowl add the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and 1/4 of the jar of chili sauce – about 1/4 cup. (Reserve the remaining chili sauce to spread on the surface of the meatloaf before baking).
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Add ground beef and thoroughly combine. Mix without compacting the meat too much.
- Add the mixture to a loaf pan (or free form on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil). Mound and gently shape into an oblong and domed shape.
- Spread the remaining chili sauce over the surface. It will seem a bit thick but as it cooks it will bake into a lovely glaze.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet to catch any juices that might run over. Cook 50 minutes to an hour or until done. Monitor the last 15 minutes of baking to make sure it doesn't over-brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing.