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Monster Meatloaf

Monster meatloaf is a rustic, hearty dish that combines ground beef with breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, garlic, and flavorful condiments. Baked until caramelized on top with a juicy, tender interior, it offers a comforting, chaotic mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for using up odds and ends in the fridge, it’s a messy but satisfying centerpiece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs fresh or slightly stale
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 tsp spice mix spices of choice

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Loaf pan
  • Thermometer
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and gather your loaf pan and mixing bowl.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they turn golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This deepens their flavor and softens their texture.
  3. In your large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, ketchup, and spice mix. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined; the mixture should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the loaf pan, pressing gently to ensure it holds together evenly.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, until the top becomes caramelized and a thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 70°C (160°F). The aroma should be rich and savory as it bakes.
  6. Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it rest for about 10 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
  7. Slice the meatloaf with a sharp knife into thick pieces, revealing a juicy, tender interior with a nicely browned crust.
  8. Serve your monster meatloaf warm, optionally drizzled with extra ketchup or gravy for a nostalgic, comforting meal.

Notes

Feel free to add extras like bacon, cheese, or hot sauce into the mixture for an even more monster-like flavor explosion.