Meatloaf
This classic meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, with a tender, juicy texture and a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. A family favorite that's simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- mix
Make the tangy glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, packed brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set it aside for later.
- mix
Combine the meatloaf ingredients.
1.In a large bowl, add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce.2.Add the salt, pepper, and about two tablespoons of the prepared glaze to the bowl.3.Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients until just combined.TIPBe careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the finished meatloaf tough and dense. - assemble
Form the meatloaf.
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rectangular loaf, about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide.
- bake
Bake the meatloaf.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- bake
Apply the glaze and finish baking.
1.After 40 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven.2.Spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top and sides of the loaf.3.Return it to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.TIPThe meatloaf is done when it's cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer. - rest
Rest the meatloaf before slicing.
Let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and making it easier to slice.
- serve
Slice and serve.
Cut the meatloaf into thick slices and serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, you can sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a little oil until soft before adding them to the meat mixture.
- 2Don't have breadcrumbs? You can use crushed crackers or rolled oats as a substitute.
- 3To ensure a moist meatloaf, use ground beef with a little fat, like 85/15 or 90/10. Very lean beef can result in a dry texture.
- 4You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate the unbaked loaf for up to 24 hours before baking.
- 5Leftover meatloaf makes fantastic sandwiches the next day!
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and whole wheat breadcrumbs. You can also reduce the brown sugar in the glaze by half.
gluten freeGluten free
Substitute the plain breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or an equal amount of crushed pork rinds.
quickQuick
Divide the meat mixture into a 12-cup muffin tin to make mini meatloaves. Bake for 20-25 minutes, adding the glaze in the last 10 minutes.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Finely grate vegetables like carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture for a hidden veggie boost that kids won't notice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Provides Iron
This dish contains a good amount of iron, a crucial mineral for transporting oxygen in the blood and preventing fatigue.
Source of B Vitamins
Beef is rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this meatloaf, which is one thick slice, contains approximately 425-450 calories. The main sources of calories are the ground beef and breadcrumbs.
