Cooks Illustrated Meatloaf A Favorite Recipes

THE BEST MEATLOAF

Steps:

• Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
• Whisk the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl until completely combined. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add 3 tablespoons of the ketchup and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mixture is thick and brick red colored, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions cool slightly. Then add them to the beaten eggs and mix to combine.
• Add the beef to the egg and onion mixture. Break up the meat with a fork or wooden spoon, and then mix to thoroughly combine; you don't want to see any lumps of raw beef. Add the panko and mix to combine. Stir the meat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 7 seconds; it will become more homogenous and tackier.
• Transfer the meat to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 9-by-5-inch loaf. Smooth the top and evenly spread the remaining ketchup over top. Bake for 5 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 150 degrees F, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

GLAZED ALL-BEEF MEAT LOAF (COOK'S ILLUSTRATED)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and place oven rack in center of oven.
• Prepare your cooking pan by placing a cooling rack over a baking pan with sides, then cover with aluminum foil; poke small holes every half inch or so and spray with cooking spray.
• Place the grated cheese on a plate and place in the freezer until ready to use.
• Heat a skillet over medium high heat, add butter and cook until foamy; add onions and celery, cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to caramelize, about 8 minutes.
• Add in garlic, thyme, paprika; cook, stirring, about a minute.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in tomato juice; transfer to a small bowl and let cool.
• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and broth; sprinkle with the gelatin and let sit 5 minutes.
• Stir in soy sauce, mustard, saltines, parsley, salt, pepper, and the onion mixture; crumble frozen cheese over top.
• Add ground beef and mix with hands until combined.
• Transfer meat mixture to prepared foil lined pan and form into a 10 x 6 inch loaf (it should be about 2 inches high).
• Bake to an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees F, about 55 to 65 minutes; remove from oven and set oven to broil.
• Meanwhile, combine glaze ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer.
• Stir until syrupy, about 5 minutes.
• Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf and broil until bubbly and beginning to brown at the edges; repeat with remaining glaze.
• Let sit 20 minutes before slicing.