Description
This Classic Homemade Meatloaf recipe features a juicy, flavorful blend of ground beef and traditional seasonings, topped with a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfectly baked to tender perfection, it’s a comforting family favorite that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Soak breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, allowing the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. This step hydrates the breadcrumbs, helping to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which can make it dense.
- Shape meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or press it evenly into the greased loaf pan.
- Prepare glaze: In a separate small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the flavorful glaze.
- Apply first glaze layer: Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add a sweet and tangy crust.
- Bake initial phase: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook through partially.
- Apply second glaze layer: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Final bake: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and juicy.
Notes
- For extra moisture and nutrients, mix in 1/4 cup grated carrot or zucchini into the meat mixture.
- Leftover meatloaf makes delicious sandwiches the next day — store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container.
- You can substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork or turkey to vary the flavor and texture.
- Using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature guarantees perfectly cooked meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
