Description
This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, it’s an ideal family meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (or beef/pork blend)
- 1 cup diced onion
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- â…“ cup milk (or broth/water)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Glaze
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring the meat mixture holds together when shaped.
- Shape Meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet. This shape ensures even cooking throughout the meat.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf uncovered in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This initial baking sets the structure and starts the cooking process.
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, mix ketchup and white vinegar together in a small bowl. This glaze will add a tangy, sweet finish on top.
- Apply Glaze & Continue Baking: After the initial 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the ketchup-vinegar glaze evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and the meatloaf to cook thoroughly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful slices.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or a beef and pork blend for juiciness and flavor.
- Bread crumbs can be substituted with oats for a gluten-free option, but the texture may vary.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- The glaze adds moisture and a tangy finish; do not skip it for the best flavor.
- Letting the meatloaf rest is crucial to keep it from drying out when sliced.
