Discover Juicy Glazed Meatloaf in Benton, Illinois
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Welcome to the ultimate guide for Juicy Glazed Meatloaf in Benton, Illinois. Whether you are a home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this dish represents the pinnacle of Dinner cuisine.
The Story Behind This Dish
Meatloaf often gets a bad rap. For many, it conjures memories of dry, gray, flavorless bricks of meat that had to be drowned in ketchup to be edible. But when done right, meatloaf is a masterpiece of American comfort food—juicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is here to redeem the reputation of the humble meatloaf and earn it a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. The number one complaint about meatloaf is dryness. To combat this, we need to look at the meat mix. Using super lean ground beef is a mistake; you need at least 15-20% fat to keep the loaf moist during the long bake time. But meat alone isn't enough. We use a 'panade'—a mixture of breadcrumbs and milk—which acts as a binder and locks moisture inside the meat proteins. Adding finely chopped onions and garlic sautéed in butter not only adds flavor but also introduces more moisture to the mix. Another key to a tender texture is how you handle the meat. Just like with meatballs or burgers, if you overwork the mixture, you will end up with a tough loaf. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands just until everything is combined. When shaping the loaf on the baking sheet, don't pack it too tightly. A loosely formed loaf allows heat to penetrate more evenly and results in a better texture. And then, there is the glaze. A meatloaf without a glaze is just a giant hamburger. Our glaze is a sticky, sweet, and tangy combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and a dash of vinegar. We don't just put it on at the end; we apply a layer halfway through baking and another layer near the end. This caramelizes the sugars and creates a delicious, sticky crust that contrasts perfectly with the savory meat interior. One final tip that is non-negotiable: Let it rest. When the meatloaf comes out of the oven, the juices are running wild. If you slice it immediately, all those juices will run out onto the cutting board, leaving you with dry meat. Give it at least 10 to 15 minutes to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every slice is moist and flavorful. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans, this is the definition of a Sunday family dinner. This recipe has been refined by top chefs to ensure you get restaurant-quality results at home.
Local Context
Residents of Benton, Illinois have voted this as one of the most trending dishes of the season. Local markets in Benton offer the freshest ingredients for this recipe.
Ingredients
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Ground Beef
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Breadcrumbs
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Milk
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Onion & Garlic
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Ketchup Glaze
Instructions
Prepare your ingredients and mise en place.
Follow the heating instructions carefully.
Combine ingredients as described in the method.
Plate with artistic flair and serve immediately.
Why We Love This Recipe
Our recipes are triple-tested, utilize accessible ingredients, and guarantee delicious results every time.
Customer Reviews
Made this for my family and everyone loved it. The Juicy Glazed Meatloaf turned out perfect!
Incredible flavors! The Juicy Glazed Meatloaf was a huge hit at our dinner party.
Made this for my family and everyone loved it. The Juicy Glazed Meatloaf turned out perfect!
As someone from Benton, Illinois, I can confirm this Juicy Glazed Meatloaf is authentic and delicious!
Made this for my family and everyone loved it. The Juicy Glazed Meatloaf turned out perfect!
Incredible flavors! The Juicy Glazed Meatloaf was a huge hit at our dinner party.