Ah, classic meatloaf—comfort food at its finest! It’s savory, slightly sweet (if you glaze it), and makes great leftovers. Here’s a thorough recipe that’s juicy, flavorful, and simple to make:
Classic Meatloaf
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
Instructions
1. Prep the meatloaf mixture
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit 2–3 minutes to soak.
- Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make it tough.
2. Shape and glaze
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze. Spread half over the top of the meatloaf.
3. Bake
- Bake 50–60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Brush with remaining glaze halfway through for a sticky, flavorful topping.
4. Rest and serve
- Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides.
Tips for a Juicy Meatloaf
- Don’t overwork the meat: handle gently when mixing.
- Use a mix of meats: beef + pork or beef + veal adds moisture and flavor.
- Optional veggies: finely grated carrots or zucchini sneak in nutrition and moisture.
- Glaze tip: ketchup + brown sugar gives a sweet tang; add a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
If you want, I can give a southern-style meatloaf with caramelized onions and smoky bacon glaze, which takes this comfort food to the next level.
Do you want me to do that?
