Joanna Gaines Meatloaf Recipe

I’ve been making Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf for a while now, and it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

I always mix the ingredients by hand to get the perfect texture – it’s a little messy, but so worth it.

The secret sauce on top? It’s simply devine, adding a tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

I love this dish for its homely feel, and it’s always a hit with the family, even with the pickiest of eaters.

A tip for the best meatloaf: let it rest for a few minutes after baking, so it holds together perfectly when sliced.

How to Make Joanna Gaines Meatloaf

Ingredients List

• 1 ½ pounds of ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the meatloaf from sticking while baking.

Mix the dry ingredients: Add the breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl and slowly pour in the whole milk.

Stir and allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk fully.

Step 2

Combine the meat mixture: In the same bowl with the soaked breadcrumbs, add the ground beef, eggs, grated cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onion.

Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed gently.

Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking dish.

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf, ensuring it is evenly formed without being too compact or loose.

Step 3

Bake the meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Step 4

Let the meatloaf rest: After removing it from the oven, rest for about 10 minutes.

This allows the juices to be redistributed and ensures a moist and tender end result.

After resting, slice and serve the meatloaf as desired.

Side Dishes for Joanna Gaines Meatloaf

Joanna Gaines’ amazing meatloaf recipe can be further elevated with the right side dishes.

Below are some delicious options to complete your meal and complement the savory flavors of the meatloaf.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic companion to meatloaf.

The creamy, fluffy texture of the potatoes pairs well with the meaty and moist meatloaf.

You can stick to a traditional recipe or add your favorite herbs and spices to customize it to your taste.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent alternative to regular mashed potatoes and offer a bit more variety.

You can prepare them in multiple ways, such as mashed, roasted, or baked.

The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes works well with the savory flavors found in Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf recipe.

Selecting one or more of these side dishes will create a well-rounded and satisfying meal to enjoy alongside Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf.

Don’t hesitate to spin on these classic sides or explore other options that suit your taste buds.

Ingredients Substitutes

You might not always have the exact ingredients at hand, or you may want to try alternative options for health or dietary reasons.

Here are some possible substitutes you can consider using in place of the designated ingredients:

Ground Meat Alternatives

You can substitute ground beef with other types of ground meat, such as ground turkey, ground pork, ground chicken, or even a mix of ground beef and poultry.

This substitution allows you to choose the preferred meat based on dietary preferences or specific nutritional needs.

If you use a slice of leaner meat like turkey or chicken, just keep in mind that the meatloaf might have a slightly different texture in comparison to ground beef.

Cheese Variations

Instead of using grated cheddar cheese in your meatloaf, you can try other types of cheese like mozzarella or provolone.

Each cheese will give the meatloaf a slightly different flavor profile, so select a cheese that complements the other ingredients and aligns with your taste preferences.

How to Store Joanna Gaines Meatloaf

Storing leftover meatloaf properly helps maintain its taste and texture and extends its shelf life.

Here are some tips on how to store leftover Joanna Gaines Meatloaf.

Refrigerating:

To store the leftover meatloaf in the refrigerator, begin by allowing it to cool down to room temperature.

Wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Alternatively, you can place the meatloaf in an airtight container.

Refrigerated meatloaf can last up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

To store the meatloaf for longer periods, consider freezing it.

To freeze the meatloaf, allow it to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

For added protection against freezer burn, place the wrapped meatloaf in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.

Properly frozen meatloaf can last up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Joanna Gaines Meatloaf

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover meatloaf, reheat it gradually.

Allow the meatloaf to thaw in a refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Use a microwave on a defrost setting if you need a quicker method.

Once the meatloaf is thawed, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

If using a microwave, be sure to cover the container with a microwave-safe lid to prevent drying out the meatloaf.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-mixing the Ingredients

When preparing Joanna Gaines’ meatloaf, avoid over-mixing the ingredients.

Over-mixing can lead to a dense or tough meatloaf.

Instead, mix gently with your hands until the ingredients are just combined.

Not Enough Moisture

Too little moisture in your mixture can result in drier meatloaf.

Make sure you include enough wet ingredients, like tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

If needed, you can add more tomato sauce to achieve the desired texture.

Over-cooking

Pay attention to the cooking time and process.

Meatloaf is usually cooked at 350°F, which can take around 45-60 minutes.

If you cook it too long or at a higher temperature, your meatloaf will be dry.

Skipping Butter

Butter gives a buttery flavor and improves the overall taste of the meatloaf.

For Joanna Gaines’ recipe, melt the butter and sauté the onions in it.

Skipping this step could deprive you of the desired smooth texture and rich taste.