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Meatloaf Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

This classic Meatloaf Recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef, sautéed onions, herbs, and breadcrumbs, baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy ketchup-based glaze. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe yields a moist and tender meatloaf with a deliciously caramelized topping.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

  • 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 80% lean)
  • 1 medium onion (1 cup, finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

For the Glaze

  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

  1. Prep: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and the finely chopped onions. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer onions to a plate to cool.
  3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled sautéed onions, eggs, minced garlic, ketchup, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, best done by hand. Consider wearing disposable gloves for easier mixing.
  4. Shape Meatloaf and Bake: Place the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches high. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven at 350°F for 40 minutes.
  5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the glaze mixture is smooth and well blended.
  6. Add the Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after the initial bake. Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer.
  7. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in easier slicing and a more tender texture.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef (80-85%) helps keep the meatloaf moist but not too greasy.
  • Make sure to cool the sautéed onions before mixing to prevent affecting the texture of the meat.
  • Feel free to substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Resting the meatloaf after baking ensures cleaner slices and better flavor.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked safely to 160°F internal temperature.