Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender: The combination of ground beef, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, and eggs ensures a juicy and tender meatloaf.
- Flavorful Glaze: A sweet and tangy ketchup-based glaze adds a delightful finish to the savory meat.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different ground meats or added vegetables to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Lean ground beef
- Milk
- Large eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Ketchup
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
For the Glaze:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent a dense meatloaf.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan, pressing gently to form an even loaf.
- Initial Baking: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Continue Baking: After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Meat Options: Substitute part of the ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery into the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be added to elevate the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the meatloaf to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make meatloaf without a loaf pan?
Yes, you can shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This method allows excess fat to drain away during cooking.
How do I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?
Ensuring the correct ratio of meat to binders (eggs and breadcrumbs) helps the meatloaf hold together. Additionally, letting the meatloaf rest after baking allows it to firm up, making slicing easier.
Is it necessary to sauté the onions and garlic beforehand?
Sautéing the onions and garlic softens them and brings out their sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the meatloaf. However, if you're short on time, you can add them raw, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Can I use oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes, rolled oats can be used as a substitute for breadcrumbs. They add a slightly different texture but work well as a binder.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
The most accurate way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, the meatloaf should feel firm to the touch, and the juices should run clear.
What can I use instead of ketchup in the glaze?
Tomato sauce or barbecue sauce can be used as alternatives to ketchup in the glaze, offering different flavor profiles.
Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help deepen the flavors.
Why is my meatloaf dense?
Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Classic Meatloaf is moist, tender, and packed with rich flavors. Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, it's the perfect comfort food for family dinners. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ lbs lean ground beef ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft (about 5 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk, eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer mixture to a loaf pan, pressing gently to form an even shape.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- Make the Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: After 40 minutes, spread the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest & Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Extra Flavor: Add finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots for texture and sweetness.
- Breadcrumb Substitute: Use rolled oats instead of breadcrumbs for a heartier texture.
- No Loaf Pan? Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a lined baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
