Virginia's Heavenly Meatloaf Delight
Dive into this exquisite meatloaf that proves once and for all that meatloaf can be truly sensational! Originating from the kitchen of Virginia Strehl, this recipe marries tender ground beef with a delightful blend of seasonings and a tangy sweet sauce that infuses each bite with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this meatloaf will impress even the pickiest eaters. By incorporating a few secret ingredients that add depth and richness, you’ll create a comfort dish that's not only hearty but absolutely unforgettable.
5
Servings
360
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (use ground shoulder roast for best texture)
bread
1 slice (broken or chopped finely)
egg
1 (beaten)
vidalia onion
1 small (finely chopped)
table salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
ketchup
4 tablespoons (for mixing into the meatloaf)
whole milk or half-and-half
1/2-2/3 cup (to add moisture)
apple cider vinegar
4 tablespoons (for tanginess)
dark brown sugar
2-4 tablespoons (packed firm, to taste)
ketchup
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bread, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, 4 tablespoons of ketchup, milk (or half-and-half), apple cider vinegar, and dark brown sugar.
3
Mix the ingredients together until well incorporated, ensuring not to overmix.
4
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a loaf baking dish. Shape it into a loaf and smooth out the top.
5
In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing the remaining 1/2 cup of ketchup with any additional apple cider vinegar or brown sugar if desired. Pour this mixture generously over the meatloaf, covering the top and sides.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with any extra sauce on the side for dipping.
8
Enjoy your heavenly meatloaf!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
14g
Carbs
30g
Protein
0.4g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virginia's Heavenly Meatloaf Delight?
It is an exquisite meatloaf recipe originating from the kitchen of Virginia Strehl that features tender ground beef and a tangy sweet sauce.
Who created this meatloaf recipe?
The recipe was created by Virginia Strehl.
What type of ground beef is recommended for the best texture?
Using ground shoulder roast is recommended for the best texture in this meatloaf.
How many servings does this meatloaf recipe provide?
This recipe provides 5 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the bread for the meatloaf mixture?
One slice of bread should be broken or chopped finely before being added to the mixture.
What kind of onion is used in Virginia's meatloaf?
The recipe calls for one small Vidalia onion, finely chopped.
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
You will need 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
What ingredients make the sauce tangy and sweet?
The combination of apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, and ketchup provides the tangy and sweet flavor profile.
How long should the meatloaf bake?
The meatloaf should bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the meatloaf?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) to be fully cooked.
Should the meatloaf rest after coming out of the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Can I use half-and-half instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 to 2/3 cup of whole milk or half-and-half to add moisture.
What secret ingredients add depth and richness to this dish?
Dark brown sugar and apple cider vinegar are the secret ingredients that add depth and richness.
How many calories are in one serving of this meatloaf?
There are 360 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 30g of protein.
Is there a specific sauce for the topping?
Yes, a topping is made by mixing 1/2 cup of ketchup with optional extra vinegar or brown sugar.
How much dark brown sugar should be used?
The recipe suggests 2 to 4 tablespoons of packed dark brown sugar, depending on your taste preference.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
Apple cider vinegar is used for its specific tanginess.
How should I combine the meatloaf ingredients?
Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl until well incorporated, ensuring not to overmix.
What type of baking dish is best for this recipe?
A standard loaf baking dish is recommended for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
Can I serve extra sauce on the side?
Yes, the instructions suggest serving hot with any extra sauce on the side for dipping.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it will impress even the pickiest eaters.
What should I avoid doing when mixing the meatloaf?
You should avoid overmixing the ingredients to maintain a good texture.
How much ketchup goes into the meat mixture itself?
4 tablespoons of ketchup are mixed directly into the meatloaf ingredients.
How much ketchup is used for the topping?
1/2 cup of ketchup is used as the base for the topping sauce.
Does this meatloaf contain any fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 0.4g of fiber per serving.
How is the topping applied to the meatloaf?
The sauce is poured generously over the meatloaf, covering both the top and the sides before baking.