Description
Hearty classic meatloaf recipe brings comfort to dinner tables across America. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 2 large eggs
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze:
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to create an ideal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
- Blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Craft the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, carefully transferring it to a lightly greased baking sheet or traditional loaf pan.
- Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate small bowl to create a vibrant, sweet-tangy glaze.
- Generously brush the prepared glaze across the entire surface of the raw meatloaf, ensuring even coverage.
- Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (71C).
- Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
- Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure meat mixture is not overmixed to keep the texture tender and prevent a dense, tough meatloaf.
- Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to balance flavor and reduce excess grease during baking.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter, more delicate texture that absorbs moisture better.
- Customize the glaze by adding a splash of hot sauce or replacing brown sugar with honey for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 372 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg