Freezing Meatloaf

Meatloaf Recipe and Freezing Process

We prefer to freeze our meatloaf “raw” and then follow the instructions below.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or cornmeal (you can use plain or seasoned)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping) - We like pasta sauce to top!

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)

• Hide as many veggies as you like in your meatloaf

Instructions Cooked Version:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, 1 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any herbs you wish to add.

   • Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.

3. Shape the Meatloaf:

   • Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet.

   • If desired, spread a thin layer of ketchup on top for added flavor and moisture.

4. Bake the Meatloaf:

   • Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

   • Check the meatloaf around the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

5. Cool the Meatloaf:

   • Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice.

6. Freezing the Meatloaf:

   • After the meatloaf has cooled completely, slice it into portions if desired.

   • Wrap each slice or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Alternatively, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container.

   • Label the package with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer. The meatloaf will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.

7. Reheating:

   • To reheat, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight.

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. You can add a bit of ketchup on top during reheating for extra moisture.

Enjoy your delicious and budget-friendly meatloaf anytime!