Julia Child's Meatloaf Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

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Leave it to Julia to make the best meatloaf. Her secret is a combination of ground beef and turkey plus cooked rice.

serves/makes:

ready in:

2-5 hrs

6 reviews

ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 cups minced onions
1 cup firm bread crumbs
2 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup cooked rice
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup beef broth
2/3 cup grated Cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 bay leaves

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and onions and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft. Increase the heat to medium high and cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions just start to brown.

Combine the onions, bread crumbs, beef, turkey, rice, eggs, broth, cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, allspice, and oregano in a large bowl. Mix well but do not overwork the mixture.

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place on a rimmed baking sheet. You can also cook this in an 8-cup loaf pan.

Place the bay leaves on top of the meatloaf. Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours or until the meatloaf reaches 155 degrees F on a meat thermometer.

Remove the pan from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes. Drain off any excess grease before serving.

cook's notes

This meatloaf also can be made with ground pork shoulder or sausage instead of ground turkey. In that case, eliminate the cup of cooked rice.

recipe tips

Mix the meatloaf ingredients gently to avoid overworking the mixture, which can result in a tough meatloaf.

Let the meatloaf rest for 20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and make slicing easier.

Serve the meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans.

Try different herb and spice combinations to customize the meatloaf.

To add a glaze, brush the top of the meatloaf with a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard before baking.

Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor.

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute oats for the bread crumbs in the recipe.

Make mini meatloaves by shaping the mixture into individual loaves and adjusting the baking time as needed.

common recipe questions

What makes Julia Child's meatloaf unique?

Julia Child's meatloaf combines ground beef and turkey with cooked rice for a flavorful and moist loaf.

What is the purpose of adding bread crumbs to the meatloaf?

Bread crumbs are used to help bind the ingredients together and add texture to the meatloaf.

Why use a combination of ground beef and ground turkey?

Mixing ground beef and turkey creates a lighter texture yet maintains flavor in the meatloaf.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

You can substitute fresh thyme and oregano for dried herbs in the meatloaf. The standard substitution is to use 3x as much fresh as dried. So, use 2 tablespoons fresh thyme and 1 tablespoon fresh oregano in place of 2 teaspoons dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

Do I have to use Cheddar cheese or can I use a different type of cheese?

You can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. You can experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Mozzarella, Gouda, etc.

How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked through?

The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 155 degrees F on a meat thermometer.

Can I add more vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?

You can add finely diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meatloaf in place of some of the onion.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze meatloaf?

You can freeze meatloaf either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

nutrition data

762 calories, 49 grams fat, 28 grams carbohydrates, 49 grams protein per serving.

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reviews & comments

Guest Foodie REVIEW:
August 8, 2020

This is the recipe to beat. No other like it. Try caramelizing the garlic in a tin foil pouch and purÃ©e with a fork before adding to the meat mixture.
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
August 6, 2020

To those who made 'adjustments', or 'left out' some ingredients (you know who you are): Why did you even bother to rate THIS recipe? You only rated your own concoction, so who cares!? :-( This was a extraordinary Meatloaf, just as it was posted.
JanetB REVIEW:
December 6, 2019

Followed recipe and it was the best meatloaf I ever had. I was leery about the allspice but I did as the recipe said and I'm glad I did. My husband loved it and it didn't need any topping like all the other meatloaf called for. Wonderful!!!
Joe REVIEW:
May 31, 2013

I have made this recipe many, many times and everyone I've ever served it to loves it. I've always left out the garlic, turkey, rice and cheese (sorry) and substitute (plain) skinned breakfast sausage for the pork, as it gives a finer consistency when cooked. The next day, a slice in a sandwich with cheddar on a big hunk of french baguette... really it's like Pate... to die for. Thank you, Julia.
granny di REVIEW:
April 30, 2012

with a few minor adjustments this is the best meatloaf. i used all ground beef and left out the allspice and the rice, the spice measurements are perfect. fine bread crumbs work well. divided into 3, froze 2 and then baked for about 3/4 of an hour at 350 and served with Tyler's ultimate POTATO GRATIN. everyone enjoyed, fresh asparagus and roasted peppers, onions etc finished it off. a rhubarb pie is delicious as a dessert.
NJDeb REVIEW:
February 12, 2012

My friend made this meatloaf recipe last night..the meatloaf smelled so dreamy that it was difficult to wait for it to cool off. Not only was it great to inhale the aroma ,but it was the best meatloaf I ever had (and I have had many)..I am now throwing out my other meatloaf recipes and only making this. I love it so much that I am planning to cook it for my 2012 Christmas dinner..it was that divine!

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