Are you looking for a dinner idea that feels both comforting and a little bit exciting? Something familiar but with a surprising twist? We all get stuck in a dinner rut sometimes, reaching for the same old things week after week. It happens to the best of us.
Well, let me introduce you to a recipe that will shake things up in the most delicious way. This isn’t just any Meatloaf. This is a Pepper Jelly Meatloaf, and it’s about to become a new family favorite. It has the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a gentle warmth that makes every bite interesting.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe takes a classic comfort food and gives it a modern, flavorful update. The pepper jelly glaze is truly special. It creates a beautiful, shiny crust on the outside of the Meatloaf that is just packed with flavor.
The combination of sweet jelly and savory ketchup is a classic pairing for a reason. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It creates a sticky, tangy topping that perfectly complements the rich, savory beef inside. It’s a wonderful surprise for your taste buds.
It is also incredibly easy to put together. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan. This makes it one of those great Quick Meatloaf Recipes for a weeknight but special enough for a Sunday Meatloaf Dinner.
This is a recipe that brings people to the table. It is hearty, satisfying, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. It is one of those Hamburger Meat Recipes that turns simple ground beef into something truly memorable.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to create this amazing dish. The list is simple, and you might already have many of these ingredients in your pantry.
- 2 cups seasoned panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup minced onion
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
- 1 cup hot pepper jelly, divided
- ¾ cup ketchup, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (90 percent lean is great, but 80 percent works too)
A quick note on the bread crumbs. If you can’t find seasoned Panko, don’t worry. Just use plain Panko and add one teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning to the mix. It works just as well!
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking. Following these steps will give you the Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever. It is simple, I promise.
Step 1: Get Your Oven And Pans Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. You will want to place the oven rack in the center position. This ensures your Meatloaf cooks evenly.
Next, grab a loaf pan, something like a 9.5 by 4 by 4 inch pan. Spray it with a little kitchen pan spray. You will also need a small sheet tray lined with foil. Spray that foil with pan spray too. This setup will help later on.
Step 2: Prepare The Panko Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, milk, and the beaten eggs. Give it a little stir and then just let it sit. This gives the bread crumbs time to soak up the liquid, which helps keep the Meatloaf moist.
While that is sitting, you can chop your onions and mince your garlic. It is a great way to use that little bit of waiting time.
Step 3: Mix In The Flavor
Now, add the minced onion and garlic to your panko mixture. Stir them in with a wooden spoon. It is time to add the real flavor boosters.
Stir in half a cup of the pepper jelly and a quarter cup of the ketchup. Then add your salt and pepper. Mix everything together really well. You want all those delicious ingredients to be fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add The Ground Beef
Time for the main event. Add your ground beef to the bowl. Use your wooden spoon to gently combine everything. The key here is not to overmix. Just stir until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make your Meatloaf tough.
Step 5: First Bake
Scrape the mixture into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This first bake helps the Meatloaf set its shape.
Step 6: Drain And Glaze The Meatloaf
Carefully remove the pan from the oven. You will likely see some fat around the edges. Gently pour off any of that excess fat. This is an important step for a better texture.
Now, carefully invert the partially cooked Meatloaf onto your prepared foil lined pan. This allows it to finish cooking without sitting in grease. In a small bowl, mix the remaining half cup of jelly and half cup of ketchup. Brush this beautiful glaze all over the Meatloaf, putting most of it on top.
Step 7: Final Bake And Temp Check
Place the pan back in the oven. Let it bake for another 60 to 70 minutes. The best way to know when it is done is to use a probe thermometer. Insert it into the end toward the center. You are looking for a temperature of 160 degrees F.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Once it reaches 160 degrees, take it out of the oven. Let the Meatloaf sit for ten minutes before you slice into it. During this time, carryover heat will bring the internal temperature up to a safe 165 degrees F. This rest also helps the juices settle, making it more flavorful and easier to slice.
After its ten minute rest, you can carve it into eight or more delicious slices. Get ready for an amazing Meatloaf Dinner.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, which is a big if, storing them is simple. Allow the Meatloaf to cool completely first. Then, place the slices in an airtight container.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight. Some people swear that a leftover Meatloaf sandwich the next day is the best part!
To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick option. Or, you can warm slices in a skillet or in the oven until heated through. This helps crisp up the edges a bit.
Tips
Want to make sure your Meatloaf is absolutely wonderful? Here are a few simple tips. First, as mentioned before, do not overmix the ground beef. A gentle hand is key to a tender texture.
Using a meat thermometer is really the best way to ensure your Meatloaf is cooked properly. It takes all the guesswork out of it. No one wants an undercooked or overcooked dinner.
Feel free to get creative. This recipe is a fantastic base. You could add some finely chopped bell peppers or even a little shredded cheddar cheese to the mix for a different twist.
This dish is fantastic served with creamy mashed potatoes and some simple green beans. The potatoes are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze from the plate. It is a classic comfort meal combination.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and slightly unexpected Meatloaf recipe that is sure to please. It is a fantastic way to turn ground beef into a meal that feels special without a lot of fuss.
Whether you’re looking for new Hamburger Meat Recipes or just want to make the Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever for your family, this one is a winner. Give it a try for your next Meatloaf Dinner. I think you will be very happy you did.
FAQ
Can I Use Different Ground Meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and beef would also be delicious in this recipe. Just be mindful that leaner meats like turkey might result in a slightly drier texture.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
Not at all. The hot pepper jelly provides more of a sweet warmth than intense heat. It is a very mild spice level that balances the sweetness of the jelly and ketchup beautifully. It is generally very family friendly.
What If I Can’t Find Pepper Jelly?
If you cannot find pepper jelly, you have a couple of options. You could use apricot preserves with a small pinch of red pepper flakes mixed in. This will mimic the sweet and warm flavor profile quite well.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is one of those great Quick Meatloaf Recipes you can prepare in advance. You can assemble the entire raw loaf in the pan, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Pepper Jelly Meatloaf
This Pepper Jelly Meatloaf is a comforting classic with a unique sweet and savory glaze, offering a delightful twist on a family favorite. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F with the rack in the center. Lightly spray a loaf pan (like a 9.5x4x4 inch pan) and a small foil-lined sheet tray with kitchen pan spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, milk, and beaten eggs. Stir lightly and let sit to absorb liquid. While waiting, mince the onion and garlic.
- Add the minced onion and garlic to the panko mixture. Stir in ½ cup of pepper jelly, ¼ cup of ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl. Gently combine with a wooden spoon, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf tough.
- Scrape the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven to set its shape.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven and pour off any excess fat. Invert the partially cooked meatloaf onto the prepared foil-lined pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of pepper jelly and ½ cup of ketchup. Brush this glaze generously over the meatloaf, focusing most on the top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 60 to 70 minutes, or until a probe thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for ten minutes before slicing. The internal temperature will rise to 165 degrees F during this time, and juices will settle.
- Carve into eight or more slices and serve your delicious Pepper Jelly Meatloaf.
Notes
Do not overmix the ground beef for a tender texture.
Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking and to avoid over- or undercooking.
Feel free to get creative by adding finely chopped bell peppers or shredded cheddar cheese to the mix.
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal.
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