A Classic Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food — juicy, tender ground beef baked with onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for family dinners, this meatloaf is hearty, flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare mixture: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, let soak for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Shape: Transfer mixture into loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Spread half over the meatloaf.
- Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, remove from oven, spread remaining glaze, and bake an additional 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest & Slice: Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor.
- Add grated carrots or celery for extra moisture and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add 1 tsp chili flakes to the mixture.
- Make it cheesy by adding shredded cheddar inside before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Mashed potatoes & green beans
- Comfort style: Mac and cheese & cornbread
- Lighter: Steamed broccoli & garden salad
