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Classic Meatloaf Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

This classic meatloaf recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining ground beef with a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and a savory ketchup glaze, it bakes to juicy perfection with a tender interior and a slightly caramelized top.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for egg mixture)
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ cup minced onion
  • 1½ lbs. ground beef (80/20)

Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. In another small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mince the onion finely.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, egg mixture, breadcrumb mixture, and minced onion. Use your hands to gently mix all ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense loaf.
  3. Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a rimmed baking dish and form it into a loaf roughly 4 inches wide, 8 inches long, and 2 inches tall to ensure even baking.
  4. Prepare Glaze and Coat: In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf to create a flavorful crust.
  5. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. This ensures the meat is safely cooked while remaining juicy.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, making the slices moist and tender. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • To avoid overmixing, combine ingredients gently to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
  • The glaze adds a sweet and tangy crust but can be adjusted to taste by modifying brown sugar or mustard amounts.
  • Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking improves sliceability and juiciness.
  • Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free options if needed.