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The Best Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Meatloaf Recipe is a classic and comforting dish featuring juicy, flavorful, and tender meat blended with a balanced mix of seasonings and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe delivers moist slices with a rich, savory flavor and versatile options for customization.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to release their full flavors. Measure out the breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings so everything is ready for an efficient cooking process.
  2. Mix the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs (breadcrumbs soaked in milk), eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, and paprika. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto a lined baking sheet or pan. Form it into a loaf shape approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, pressing firmly but not compacting too tightly to ensure even cooking.
  4. Add the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup with brown sugar or honey. Spread a generous and even layer of this glaze over the top of the meatloaf. This will caramelize during baking, adding a sweet tangy finish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer. After baking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the slices juicy and moist.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense and tough meatloaf.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked meatloaf without drying it out.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep all the juices inside.
  • Soak the breadcrumbs in milk beforehand to maintain softness and moisture.
  • Customize the glaze with barbecue sauce or mustard ketchup glaze for variety.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy meatloaf, family dinner