When it comes to having a comforting dinner at home, few things can beat a well - made loaf. In this article, we'll explore a classic meat loaf recipe and a creative ham loaf variation that makes use of leftovers. These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for family dinners or even a solo meal on a cozy evening.

Classic Meat Loaf Recipe

The classic meat loaf is a staple in many households. It's a dish that combines the rich flavor of ground beef with a blend of seasonings and a sweet and tangy glaze. Here's what you'll need:

• 1.5 pounds of ground beef
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• For the glaze: 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can make the meat loaf tough.
2. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Make sure it fits evenly in the pan.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze. Pour the glaze over the top of the meat loaf.
4. Bake the meat loaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Once the meat loaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 - 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat loaf more tender and flavorful.

Ham Loaf Variation Using Leftovers

If you have some leftover ham in your fridge, this ham loaf variation is a great way to use it up. It adds a unique twist to the traditional meat loaf. Here are the ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 cup of chopped leftover ham
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• For the glaze: 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped ham, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and sage. Mix well.
2. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir gently until it's evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard for the glaze. Pour the glaze over the top of the ham loaf.
5. Bake the ham loaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Check with a meat thermometer.
6. Let the ham loaf rest for 10 - 15 minutes before slicing. This will ensure that the cheese is melted and the flavors are well - blended.

Both of these loaf recipes are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. You can pair them with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. They are also great for meal prepping, as you can slice them and store them in the fridge for a quick and easy meal throughout the week. So, the next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option, give these loaf recipes a try!