I love trying new recipes, but there’s something extra special about a classic like Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf Recipe. When I first came across it, I knew I had to try it for myself—and let me tell you, it turned out amazing! The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the taste is just so good. I followed Brenda’s steps closely and made this delicious meatloaf in my own kitchen. If you want a hearty, old-fashioned meatloaf, this is the one to make.
Let me share the step-by-step process of how I made Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf recipe with my own little tweaks here and there. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started on this timeless dish!
The Secret to Good Meatloaf
The key to a delicious meatloaf is using fresh ingredients and getting the right balance of flavors and textures. Brenda’s recipe nails this with a mix of ground beef, veggies, and simple seasonings. The secret? Don’t overwork the meat mixture – this keeps it tender and juicy.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you need for Brenda Gantt’s meatloaf recipe:
- 3 pounds of ground beef
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 sleeve of crackers (crushed) or substitute with oatmeal
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Substitutions
One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. If you don’t have certain ingredients or want to tweak it a bit, you can easily make substitutions:
- Ground beef: You can use ground turkey or pork instead if you prefer a lighter option.
- Crackers: If you’re out of crackers, you can use oats or breadcrumbs as a binding agent.
- Bell pepper: Don’t have bell pepper? You can substitute it with sweet banana peppers or even jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Kitchen Appliances You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these basic kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet or broiler pan
- Oven preheated to 400°F
- Measuring cups/spoons
- A spatula or your hands for mixing
How To Make Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf
Now, let’s get started with the recipe. Follow these steps for a perfect meatloaf:
Step 1 | Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2 | Chop the vegetables
Finely chop the bell pepper and onion. You can cut them into little strips or dice them small for even cooking.
Step 3 | Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bell pepper, onion, 1 can of tomato sauce, eggs, crushed crackers (or oats), salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything together. Make sure the eggs are mixed in well, as they help bind the loaf.
Step 4 | Shape the loaf
Divide the mixture in half and shape it into two loaves. You can do this by hand, forming it into a loaf shape, then place it on your broiler pan. Press down lightly in the center to create a small valley for the sauce.
Step 5 | Add the tomato sauce
Pour a little more tomato sauce into the valley on top of each loaf. This will keep the meatloaf juicy and flavorful while it bakes.
Step 6 | Bake
Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
Step 7 | Serve
Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Once ready, serve and top with tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Recipe Notes
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your meatloaf comes out just right:
- Moisture tip: If you want your meatloaf extra juicy, try adding a splash of milk or beef broth to the mixture.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 160°F when fully cooked.
- Avoid overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
- Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute.
Recipe Variations and Additions
Want to add some personal touches to the classic Brenda Gantt meatloaf recipe? Here are a few ideas:
Cheese-stuffed meatloaf: Add cubes of cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the center of the meatloaf before baking for a cheesy surprise.
Spicy meatloaf: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like your meatloaf with a kick.
BBQ twist: Instead of tomato sauce, brush the top with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestion
Meatloaf is a versatile dish, and here are a few side options that go perfectly with it:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for meatloaf.
- Green beans or butter beans: A side of seasoned green beans or butter beans complements the richness of the meatloaf.
- Biscuits or cornbread: Make some fresh biscuits or cornbread to soak up all those delicious meatloaf juices.
- A fresh salad: Add some freshness with a simple green salad.
Storage Tips
Meatloaf stores very well, making it a great make-ahead meal:
Refrigerate:
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze:
To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave it for a quicker option.
Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf, shape it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. How do I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?
Be sure to include the eggs and crackers (or oats) as they help bind the loaf together.
3. How do I make gluten-free meatloaf?
Simply swap the crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
4. Can I make this meatloaf without onions?
Yes, you can omit the onions if you prefer or substitute them with a different vegetable like finely chopped carrots.
5. How do I make the meatloaf more moist?
Adding a splash of milk or broth can help keep the meatloaf moist.
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them down into a sauce consistency first.
Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf Recipe
Brenda Gantt’s meatloaf recipe is a classic, easy-to-make dish with simple ingredients, perfect for a hearty meal. Ready in 1 hour and serves 6–8.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of ground beef
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 sleeve of crackers (crushed) or substitute with oatmeal
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the bell pepper and onion. You can cut them into little strips or dice them small for even cooking.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bell pepper, onion, 1 can of tomato sauce, eggs, crushed crackers (or oats), salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything together. Make sure the eggs are mixed in well, as they help bind the loaf.
- Shape the loaf: Divide the mixture in half and shape it into two loaves. You can do this by hand, forming it into a loaf shape, then place it on your broiler pan. Press down lightly in the center to create a small valley for the sauce.
- Add the tomato sauce: Pour a little more tomato sauce into the valley on top of each loaf. This will keep the meatloaf juicy and flavorful while it bakes.
- Bake: Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
- Serve: Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Once ready, serve and top with tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Brenda Gantt’s meatloaf recipe is the perfect go-to for a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table. Try this recipe for your next family dinner and enjoy!
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