Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food, but Joanna Gaines’ Meatloaf Recipe from her famous Magnolia Table Cookbook takes it to another level. It’s a blend of savory, cheesy, and hearty ingredients that come together to create a meal the whole family will love. With its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, this meatloaf recipe has quickly become a staple for home cooks looking for a reliable, mouthwatering dish. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the steps and details to help you create the perfect Joanna Gaines-inspired meatloaf at home.
Why Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Stands Out
The secret to Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. By combining traditional elements like ground beef, onion, and tomato sauce, with a twist of Cheddar cheese and saltines, this meatloaf achieves the perfect balance of flavors. The addition of Worcestershire sauce adds depth, while the ketchup glaze brings a sweet and tangy finish.
Whether you’re an experienced chef or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is both approachable and impressive. Let’s dive into how to make this incredible meatloaf that will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Recipe
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Joanna Gaines meatloaf:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, to taste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (85% lean is ideal)
- 1 sleeve saltines, crushed (approximately 4 ounces)
- 1.5 cups grated Cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for the glaze)
These ingredients create a moist, flavorful meatloaf with a perfect blend of textures, from the cheesy filling to the crispy top.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Joanna Gaines Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the meatloaf will cook evenly from the start, giving it the ideal texture and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
Melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and soft. This step adds a wonderful savory aroma to the meatloaf and ensures the onions are tender when incorporated into the mixture. Once they’re cooked, set them aside to cool.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Worcestershire sauce
- Saltines (crushed)
- Grated Cheddar cheese
- Eggs (beaten)
- Tomato sauce
- Cooked and cooled onions
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well-combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense. The goal is to combine the ingredients without compacting the meat.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Next, shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a large baking tray or in a loaf pan. Make sure the loaf is even so that it cooks uniformly in the oven. This shape will also help create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Apply the Ketchup Glaze
Spread 2 tablespoons of ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf. This glaze adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the savory meatloaf. It also gives the loaf a beautiful glossy finish after baking.
Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 170°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness without cutting into the loaf prematurely.
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making each slice tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions for Joanna Gaines Meatloaf
Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions that will turn this dish into a complete meal:
- Becki’s Mac & Cheese: Creamy and cheesy mac & cheese makes the perfect side for this meatloaf, enhancing its richness with a complementary flavor.
- Green Beans Tossed in Melted Butter: The fresh crunch of green beans balances out the hearty meatloaf.
- Classic Salad: A light, crisp salad adds freshness to the meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another classic choice that adds comfort to the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or roasted potatoes work beautifully as well.
How to Store Leftover Meatloaf
One of the great things about meatloaf is that it stores well. If you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, follow these reheating instructions.
Reheating Leftover Meatloaf
You can reheat your meatloaf in two simple ways:
- In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat the meatloaf for 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through.
- In the Microwave: Heat individual slices for 2 to 3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they’re evenly heated.
Can You Freeze Meatloaf?
Yes, Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep or future dinners. To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts for a single serving of Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf:
- Calories: 337
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
- Sodium: 828mg
- Potassium: 275mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g
This is a hearty, protein-rich meal that fits well into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
