Glazed All-Beef Meat Loaf (Cook'S Illustrated)

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and place oven rack in center of oven.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Place the grated cheese on a plate and place in the freezer until ready to use.

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   Add in garlic, thyme, paprika; cook, stirring, about a minute.

6. 6

   Reduce heat to low and stir in tomato juice; transfer to a small bowl and let cool.

7. 7

   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and broth; sprinkle with the gelatin and let sit 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Stir in soy sauce, mustard, saltines, parsley, salt, pepper, and the onion mixture; crumble frozen cheese over top.

9. 9

   Add ground beef and mix with hands until combined.

10. 10

    Transfer meat mixture to prepared foil lined pan and form into a 10 x 6 inch loaf (it should be about 2 inches high).

11. 11

    Bake to an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees F, about 55 to 65 minutes; remove from oven and set oven to broil.

12. 12

    Meanwhile, combine glaze ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer.

13. 13

    Stir until syrupy, about 5 minutes.

14. 14

    Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf and broil until bubbly and beginning to brown at the edges; repeat with remaining glaze.

15. 15

    Let sit 20 minutes before slicing.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.