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Meatloaf 101 with Mrs. Kostyra

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      Meatloaf 101

      Martha and her mother prepare their family recipe for meatloaf.

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      Meatloaf 101

      Martha and her mother prepare their family recipe for meatloaf.

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    Although many meatloaf recipes use just beef, you can add veal and pork for a more tender, juicier loaf. Use an ample amount of breadcrumbs, too -- not for frugality's sake, but to give the meatloaf its distinctive texture and prevent it from becoming too dense. To supplement your meatloaf, add finely chopped vegetables, which will lighten the texture and provide more flavor; try a combination of garlic, onions, carrots, celery, and parsley. Many recipes also call for ketchup, which lends a sweet and tangy taste to the finished meatloaf, while giving the meat a slightly rosy hue.
    Martha Stewart Living Television
    • Yield Serves 8 to 10
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    Ingredients

    • 4 slices white bread, torn into pieces
    • 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
    • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into eighths
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
    • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
    • 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 3 teaspoons dry mustard
    • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
    • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

    Directions

    1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place bread in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade; pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a medium bowl, and add ground beef.
    2. Place onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and parsley in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade; pulse until fine. Add to meat mixture, using hands to mix well. Add egg, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, salt, and pepper; use hands to combine thoroughly. Place in an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-2 1/2-inch loaf pan.
    3. Combine remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, remaining teaspoon dry mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl; stir until smooth.
    4. Brush mixture over meatloaf; place in the oven with a baking pan set on the rack below to catch drippings. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 degrees, about 90 minutes. If top gets too dark, cover with foil, and continue baking.

    Recipe Reviews

    • mizmbp
      2 May, 2011

      I did what happened to my review?

    • binkjo
      16 Nov, 2010

      I love this recipe! I usually make it with italian bread crumbs and then cut back on the salt. I also use very low fat meat because adding all those veggies allow the meatloaf to stay super moist.

    • cinnamonbear
      8 Aug, 2010

      I love this recipe. The only thing I would change is the salt. I would cut back on it. Otherwise yum, it is good.

    • JudyBlue97045
      4 May, 2010

      The best meatloaf ever! Try it! You won't be disappointed!

    • Harrietsegal
      10 Feb, 2009

      great

    • Harrietsegal
      10 Feb, 2009

      Great recipe!!! I first tried it with all beef and then decided to try it with 1/2 minced chicken and 1/2 minced turkey for a healthier version came out tender and yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • karensis
      6 Apr, 2008

      Great recipe! Making in smaller pans and freezing great for those nights I want a quick meal! My father-in-law who is 89 and lives on his own loves when I bring him his own meatloaf. Great comfort food!

    • luvmyrascals
      7 Mar, 2008

      This is the best meatloaf I have ever eaten! You will not be disappointed with this recipe!

    • 1gudcheesecake
      20 Feb, 2008

      this by far is the best meatloaf . Ive recommended this to friends and family and cannot believe how pefect this comes out time and time again..

    • mejan
      11 Feb, 2008

      The best meatloaf EVER! I do not like ground beef, or meatloaf -- my husband made this for dinner last night, and it was delicious!

    • alexis0012
      2 Feb, 2008

      i am not a huge fan of meatloaf, but after this recipe I'm a huge fan. Next time around I think I will go lighter on the salt, 1 tablespoon was just a little too much. I also used a heaping 1/2 cup of oatmeal instead of the 4 slices of bread and it came out perfect.

    • luckymom
      20 Jan, 2008

      This meatloaf is the best! I was so tired of finding recipes with no veggies other than onion or onion soup mix. So delish for leftovers the next day too!

    • sallylivoti
      20 Dec, 2007

      You have joined a very sad club. Those of us who have lost our Mothers. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your Mother's wisdom, recipes, and philosophy with all of us. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to her life.

    • Bubblesyvonne
      20 Dec, 2007

      So terribly sorry to learn of your Mother's passing. I know how much you'll miss her Martha. You never forget a Mother. I love your show Martha and was always thinking of you during your troubled time. You have made everyone forget that ever happened and I hope you will be on T.V. for a long time. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
      Yvonne Hiscoe, 21 Oakview Avenue, Nepean, ON Canada

    • kimmykay
      19 Dec, 2007

      Martha, My condolences as I just learned of your mother's passing last week. To honor her, I've already made two of her recipes this week

    • MizMaryMc
      18 Dec, 2007

      I don't know what I did wrong. I had to cook this for an additional 40 minutes just to reach 160 degrees, and still ended up with a goopy meat mush, not a meatloaf and nothing like the one in the video! I used 2 onions as it states in the video

    • angblaszak
      18 Dec, 2007

      Martha,
      How proud your mother must be! What an amazing tribute and commentary on your love for one another. This is THE best meatloaf, I love it. You are a living legacy to your mother and your family. You handled yourself with such grace- I could only imagine how much you miss your mother. Merry Christmas.

    • paulinaw
      17 Dec, 2007

      This is the only meatloaf I make. I love it and so does my family. It was wonderful watching your mom on the show.

    • eldica
      23 Nov, 2007

      Martha your mom meatloaf is one of my favorites. I would look forward to watching you and your mother cooking together, she will be truely missed. Sylvia

    • GayleR
      23 Nov, 2007

      Martha, thank you for sharing your mother with us all. We miss her so I can only imagine what her loss will mean for you and your family and her friends. Her name will always be synonymous with "meatloaf" and so many other wonderful foods. When I announce I'm making a meatloaf, it's only hers.

    • Jessieal
      23 Nov, 2007

      Dear Martha:

      I always enjoyed the television segments when your mom appeard. I have just viewed your tribute to her on my P.C. I was so happy to see it, as I missed your live TV show that day. It tmoved me to tears. She was a wonderful, caring person. Thanks for sharing us with her.

      Jessie

    • Yorkie7
      22 Nov, 2007

      Martha, your sweet Mom's reciipe for this delicious meatloaf was our favorite the first time it aired! My husband LOVES this recipe and so do I. It is moist and the ketchup-brown sugar topping is yummy!
      IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES! Thanks Big Martha! You were the best!

    • rmkc411
      21 Nov, 2007

      Dear Martha, God bless you and your family. Your mother was an inspiration. She was lovely with a sharing spirit.
      Our condolences,
      Marit

    • WoodlandSpirit
      19 Nov, 2007

      Dear Martha, This year (following my recent move a week ago to Northeast Harbor), instead of fixing a turkey dinner for just myself (I'm just a single guy who is sometimes "culinary challenged"), I will be making your Mother's "Meatloaf 101" (for the first time) so to celebrate and honor her wonderful memory ... and to give thanks for all the "Good Things" which you, your Mother and your wonderful staff have shared with all of us over these many years. "Happy Thanksgiving!" 7:^) Warmest best wishes, Bill

    • WoodlandSpirit
      19 Nov, 2007

      Dear Martha, This year (following my recent move a week ago to Northeast Harbor), instead of fixing a turkey dinner for just myself (I'm just a single guy who is sometimes "culinary challenged"), I will be making your Mother's "Meatloaf 101" (for the first time) so to celebrate and honor her wonderful memory ... and to give thanks for all the "Good Things" which you, your Mother and your wonderful staff have shared with all of us over these many years. "Happy Thanksgiving!" 7:^) Warmest best wishes, Bill

    • MarthaStewartClub
      19 Nov, 2007

      My Mom and I have made this recipe several times and we like it very much. It is a wonderful tasting meatloaf yummers!

    • pierce
      9 Nov, 2007

      the best meatloaf i've ever made--no one liked my old way of making meatloaf

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