Mamma Joe’s Meatloaf (Easy Family Recipe)

Regarding classic comfort food, few dishes can compete with a perfectly seasoned, tender meatloaf topped with a glossy, tangy glaze. Mamma Joe’s Meatloaf delivers all the nostalgic flavors you crave with a secret that sets it apart from ordinary recipes: pureed vegetables that add incredible moisture and depth without overwhelming the beef flavor. This family-friendly recipe transforms simple ground beef into a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to Mamma Joe’s incredibly moist and flavorful meatloaf lies in the pureed vegetable mixture. Blending onions, green bell peppers, and celery into a smooth puree creates a flavor base that distributes evenly throughout the meat while adding natural moisture. The combination of Heinz 57 sauce and Worcestershire provides tangy depth, while fresh thyme leaves add an aromatic herb note that elevates this beyond basic meatloaf.

Understanding the Technique

Pureeing the vegetables instead of simply dicing them serves multiple purposes. It eliminates large chunks that some family members might pick out, ensures even flavor distribution, and releases more moisture to keep the meatloaf tender. The Italian-style breadcrumbs absorb this moisture while providing structure, creating the perfect texture balance.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• Ground beef – Provides hearty protein base with rich, savory flavor
• Large eggs – Bind ingredients together and add richness
• Fresh thyme leaves – Contributes aromatic herb flavor throughout
• Heinz 57 sauce – Adds tangy, complex flavor with multiple spice notes
• Yellow onion, chopped – Forms aromatic base when pureed
• Green bell pepper, chopped – Adds mild sweetness and moisture
• Celery, chopped – Provides subtle flavor and natural moisture
• Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings for proper flavor balance
• Granulated garlic – Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without texture
• Italian-style breadcrumbs – Absorbs moisture while providing structure
• Worcestershire sauce – Enhances umami depth and savory complexity

For the Glaze:

• Ketchup – Creates sweet and tangy glaze base
• Barbecue sauce – Adds smoky sweetness and glossy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Vegetables:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Roughly chop the onion, green bell pepper, and celery into pieces that will fit in your food processor.
3. Puree the chopped vegetables in a food processor or blender until smooth and no large chunks remain.

Make the Meatloaf Mixture:

4. Whisk together eggs, Heinz 57 sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic in a large bowl.
5. Add the pureed vegetables to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined.
6. Add ground beef and Italian-style breadcrumbs to the bowl.
7. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently mix all ingredients until combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Shape and Initial Baking:

8. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Shape the mixture into a loaf form, leaving space around the edges for even cooking.
10. Place in a preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Prepare and Apply Glaze:

11. While meatloaf bakes, combine ketchup and barbecue sauce in a small bowl to create the glaze.
12. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
13. Pour the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
14. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Rest and Serve:

15. Let meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
16. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover meatloaf wrapped in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating Method: Slice and reheat in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes. Cover to prevent drying.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Perfect Pairings

Here are some great side dishes to go with meatloaf:

• Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes
• Homemade Mashed Potatoes
• Outback Steakhouse Steamed Green Beans
• Cooked Carrots
• Buttery Peas and Carrots

Love meatloaf? Try these recipes!

• Boston Market Meatloaf
• Brown Sugar Meatloaf
• Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
• Smoked Meatloaf
• Stuffed Meatloaf with Gravy

Check out more of my easy dinner recipes and the best recipes with beef on CopyKat!