Description
Classic Meatloaf is a comforting and nostalgic dish featuring a perfect balance of rich ground beef, savory spices, and a tangy ketchup glaze. This easy-to-make recipe brings warmth and hearty flavor to your table, creating a protein-packed, family-friendly meal that is versatile and customizable to your tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus additional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather ground beef, finely chopped onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk in a large bowl. Measure out your spices and sauces so everything is ready to combine.
- Mix the Meatloaf Batter: Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Shape the Loaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking tray or in a loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly packed for consistent cooking.
- Add the Topping: Spread a generous layer of ketchup or your preferred glaze over the top to create a delicious caramelized crust during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Rest and Slice: Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and improve texture.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
- Use fresh onions and high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to retain juices.
- Customize the glaze with barbecue sauce or spicy toppings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Classic Meatloaf, comfort food, meatloaf recipe, easy meatloaf, family dinner
