Description
Hearty meatloaf promises comfort and flavor in every savory slice, blending classic American cuisine with irresistible home-style charm. Juicy ground beef meets a caramelized glaze, inviting you to savor a timeless dinner that warms both plate and heart.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients:
Main Proteins:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (85%-90%)
- 2 large eggs
Primary Binders and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3/4 cup (67.5 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup (79 ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sweet Glaze Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (177 ml) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges for effortless removal.
- Create flavor foundation by sautéing diced onions in olive oil over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, then incorporate minced garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant. Allow mixture to cool completely.
- Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, Italian seasoning, and cooled onion-garlic mixture in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently integrate ingredients using hands, taking care not to overwork the meat, which could result in a dense texture.
- Transfer meat mixture into prepared loaf pan, carefully pressing and smoothing the surface for uniform distribution. Prepare glaze by blending ingredients and generously spread across meatloaf’s top surface.
- Position loaf pan in preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety and optimal doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and facilitating cleaner, more precise slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a lighter, more complex flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe suitable for low-carb and gluten-sensitive diets.
- Keep the meatloaf extra moist by adding a small amount of grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms into the meat mixture, which also boosts nutritional value.
- Create a make-ahead friendly version by preparing the meatloaf mixture and glaze separately, then refrigerating overnight before baking for deeper, more developed flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg