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Classic meatloaf sliced and served with mashed potatoes and ketchup glaze

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe – A Family Favorite Dinner


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  • Author: sofia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Hearty, moist, and endlessly customizable — this classic meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. Perfectly seasoned, topped with a tangy-sweet glaze, and ideal for weeknights or Sunday dinners. Serve with mashed potatoes or make sandwiches with leftovers!


Ingredients

    • Meatloaf:
    • 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

 

  • Meatloaf Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, garlic, 1/4 cup ketchup, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together glaze ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder). Brush half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze. Continue baking for 15–30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use leaner beef for a lighter loaf or mix beef with ground pork for extra flavor.
  • Add finely chopped carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
  • To make it keto-friendly, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour and use sugar-free ketchup.
  • Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day!
  • Prep Time: 17 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American