The Ultimate Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Love

Barefoot Contessa meatloaf transforms an ordinary dinner into a nostalgic culinary experience that sparks memories of home-cooked comfort.

Family gatherings often center around this classic main course, which brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.

Hearty and robust, this recipe combines rich proteins with aromatic seasonings that elevate a traditional staple.

Ground meat becomes a canvas for culinary creativity, blending textures and flavors into a single satisfying dish.

Subtle spices and carefully selected ingredients work together to create a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Wholesome and unpretentious, this meatloaf represents the kind of cooking that connects generations through shared meals.

You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, promising a delicious solution for weeknight dinners: dive into this recipe and savor every moment.

Store This Loaf the Smart and Juicy Way

• Freeze: Preserve peak flavor by wrapping meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then slide into a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps your delicious meal perfectly preserved for up to 3 months. Quick tip: Label the bag with the date to track freshness and enjoy later without guesswork.
• Refrigerate: Cool the meatloaf completely before storing in an airtight container. Stash in the refrigerator for maximum 4 days, ensuring safe and tasty leftovers. Pro move: Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.
• Reheating: Revive your meatloaf's juicy goodness by warming in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.

Flavor Variations for a Weeknight Wonder

• Mediterranean Meatloaf: Replace Worcestershire sauce with red wine, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Smoky BBQ Meatloaf: Swap ketchup with tangy barbecue sauce, mix in smoked paprika, and top with crispy bacon bits for a bold southwestern flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground chuck with lean ground turkey, incorporate fresh parsley, sage, and rosemary for a lighter, herbaceous alternative that's lower in fat.
• Spicy Mexican Meatloaf: Mix in diced green chilies, ground cumin, chopped cilantro, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-style meatloaf that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.

The Farewell Slice That Feels Like Home

Barefoot Contessa’s meatloaf masterpiece emerges as classic American comfort cuisine with sophisticated flavor profiles.

Rich ground chuck mingles with aromatic herbs and delicate spices, creating sensational depth in each hearty slice.

Succulent textures and carefully balanced ingredients showcase Ina Garten’s culinary expertise.

Home cooks can elevate weeknight dinners with this simple yet elegant recipe that promises restaurant-quality results.

Subtle Worcestershire sauce and tender onions provide complex undertones beyond standard meatloaf preparations.

With a golden ketchup glaze and perfectly balanced seasonings, this recipe invites passionate home chefs to explore traditional American cooking techniques – so snap those photos, share your delicious dish, and spread mealtime joy with friends and family!

What Makes Ina’s Meatloaf an Instant Classic

• Craft Comfort Food Perfection: This meatloaf transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish that brings everyone around the table with its rich, homemade flavor and nostalgic appeal.
• Master Foolproof Cooking Technique: Ina Garten's method ensures a tender, juicy meatloaf by gently mixing ingredients, using a precise cooking temperature, and adding a clever water pan trick to prevent dryness and cracking.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinner Game: Quick to prepare with common pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers gourmet-level taste without complicated steps, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Ingredients for the Loaf That Feeds the Soul

• Ground Chuck: Rich, flavorful beef with good fat content for juicy meatloaf, preferably 80/20 lean to fat ratio.

• Onions: Sweet base that adds depth and moisture to the meatloaf, freshly chopped for best flavor.
• Thyme: Herbal note that complements the beef's richness, fresh herbs provide more intense flavor.

• Bread Crumbs: Helps hold the meatloaf together and adds light texture, plain or unseasoned work best.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure, room temperature eggs mix more evenly.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, tangy umami flavor to boost meat's richness.
• Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and subtle background flavor to prevent dryness.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens overall taste profile.

• Ketchup: Classic sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top of meatloaf.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing onions, provides healthy fat and prevents sticking.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the meat's natural flavors, freshly ground preferred.

How to Build a Tender, Flavor-Packed Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F (163°C), getting ready for a delicious home-style meal.

Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir occasionally for 8-10 minutes until onions turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Worcestershire sauce
• Chicken stock
• Tomato paste

Let the mixture cool down slightly.

Step 4: Combine Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground chuck
• Sautéed onion mixture
• Bread crumbs
• Beaten eggs

Use a fork and mix softly to keep the texture light and tender.

Step 5: Shape And Dress The Loaf

Mold the meat mixture into a rectangular shape on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Spread ketchup evenly across the top for a tangy glaze.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 to 1¼ hours. To prevent cracking, add a pan of hot water underneath. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting homemade meal!

Tips That Turn Meatloaf into a Masterpiece

• Gently Mix Ingredients: Treat the meat mixture like a delicate treasure, using a fork to combine ingredients softly. This technique prevents tough, rubbery meatloaf and keeps the texture light and tender.
• Choose the Right Ground Beef: Select ground chuck with 81% lean meat for maximum flavor and juiciness. Leaner cuts can result in a dry, disappointing meatloaf that lacks the rich taste home cooks crave.
• Cool Sautéed Onions First: Allow your sautéed onion and broth mixture to cool slightly before blending with meat. This prevents accidentally scrambling the eggs and ensures a smooth, cohesive mixture.
• Perfect Loaf Shaping Technique: Craft a rectangular shape with clean edges to guarantee even cooking and a professional presentation. Smooth sides help the meatloaf hold together beautifully when sliced.
• Parchment Paper Trick: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and quick cleanup. This simple hack prevents sticking and makes serving your meatloaf a breeze.

Barefoot Contessa Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Barefoot Contessa meatloaf blends rich ground beef with savory herbs and tangy glaze, creating a comforting American dinner classic. Perfect comfort meal promises warmth and satisfaction that brings family around the table.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 ½ pounds ground chuck (81% lean)
• 2 extra-large eggs, beaten

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups chopped yellow onions (about 3 medium onions)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) canned chicken stock or broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup plain dry bread crumbs (e.g., Progresso)
• ½ cup ketchup (e.g., Heinz)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 325°F (163°C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
2. Create a flavor base by sautéing chopped onions in olive oil over medium-low heat. Incorporate thyme, salt, and pepper, gently stirring until onions become translucent and soft, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Enhance the mixture by removing the pan from heat and blending in Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow the ingredients to meld and cool slightly.
4. Combine ground chuck with the prepared onion mixture, bread crumbs, and beaten eggs in a spacious mixing bowl. Use a fork to gently incorporate ingredients, maintaining a light texture and avoiding compaction.
5. Transfer the meat mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, carefully shaping it into a uniform rectangular loaf. Distribute ketchup evenly across the surface for added moisture and flavor.
6. Position the meatloaf in the preheated oven, placing a pan of hot water underneath to prevent surface cracking. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. After removing from the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest briefly, enabling juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm, presenting a comforting and flavorful main course.

Notes

• Prevent dense texture by mixing ingredients gently with a fork, keeping the mixture light and airy.
• Select ground chuck with 81% lean meat for optimal moisture and rich flavor profile.
• Cool sautéed onion and broth mixture before combining with meat to protect egg proteins from premature cooking.
• Create a uniform rectangular shape to ensure even cooking and structural integrity during baking.
• Utilize parchment paper lining for effortless removal and clean pan release after cooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 533
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 627mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 124mg