Here’s a classic, juicy Meatloaf recipe — tender inside, caramelized on top, and full of rich flavor. 🥩✨
🍽️ Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55–65 min
🧂 Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the glaze:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with foil and lightly grease it.
- Mix the meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon just until combined (don’t overmix — it makes the loaf dense).
- Shape and bake:
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared pan (about 8×4 inches).
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Add the glaze:
- Stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest & serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or green beans.
💡 Tips
- Ground beef/pork mix (like 1 lb beef + ½ lb pork) gives a richer, juicier loaf.
- Try BBQ sauce instead of ketchup in the glaze for a smoky twist.
- Leftovers make amazing meatloaf sandwiches the next day!
Would you like me to share a cheesy stuffed meatloaf version (with melted cheese inside)? It’s a crowd-pleaser!
