Meatloaf Recipe
This meatloaf recipe is a classic comfort food dish made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, topped with a rich glaze and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef 80/20
- 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup plus more for topping
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning optional
- Optional Toppings: shredded mozzarella BBQ sauce glaze, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 1½ lbs ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, ½ cup milk, 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional).Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until just combined—don’t overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape and Transfer to Pan: Place the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Shape it evenly, pressing it down lightly. Make sure it holds together but isn’t too compacted.
- Top It Off: Spread a generous layer of ketchup or BBQ sauce over the top. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly for that golden, melty finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and prevent crumbling.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve your meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese. Leftovers make for amazing sandwiches the next day!