Description
A hearty and classic American meatloaf recipe combining ground beef with flavorful herbs and spices, topped with a tangy ketchup glaze for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, 1/4 cup ketchup, fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape and Place: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared loaf pan or on the lined baking sheet.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake Initially: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This sets the shape and starts cooking the meat through.
- Add Remaining Glaze and Continue Baking: Brush the remaining glaze evenly over the meatloaf and continue baking for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps juices redistribute, making the meatloaf moist and easier to slice. Serve warm and enjoy your classic meatloaf!
Notes
- Use 80-85% lean ground beef for the best balance between flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to prevent a dense and tough meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- The glaze can be adjusted to taste, adding more brown sugar for sweetness or extra vinegar for tanginess.
- Letting the meatloaf rest helps keep it juicy when sliced.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: classic meatloaf, ground beef meatloaf, ketchup glaze meatloaf, comfort food recipe, easy meatloaf
