Classic Homemade Meatloaf: A Family Tradition (Print Version)

Classic Homemade Meatloaf: Make my familys easy recipe for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a tangy glaze. A comforting dinner favorite!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Beef, Dairy, Egg

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
04 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1/2 large onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 2 tbsp ketchup (plus more for glaze)

→ Seasonings & Spices

09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme

→ Glaze Ingredients

12 - 1/2 cup ketchup
13 - 2 tbsp light brown sugar
14 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, grab a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic happens. Finely dice your onion – I mean, really fine, so you don't get big chunks in your meatloaf. Mince your garlic too. I always feel like a proper chef when I'm doing all this prep, even if my kitchen counter ends up looking like a war zone. This step is about getting everything ready so the actual mixing is a breeze, honestly.
02 - In that big bowl, combine your ground beef, egg, milk, and breadcrumbs. Now, this is where you gotta get your hands dirty, literally. Gently mix everything together. The key word here is <em>gently</em>. Overmixing is the enemy of a juicy meatloaf; it makes it tough. I learned that the hard way, ending up with a rubbery loaf once. Just mix until everything is combined, no more. You'll feel it start to come together.
03 - Time to make this dish sing! Toss in your finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and that little bit of ketchup. Now, for the seasonings: salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Again, mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly distributed. Don't be afraid to taste a tiny bit of the raw mixture (just a tiny bit!) to check the seasoning, though some folks find that weird. I just love seeing all those vibrant colors come together.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or a foil-lined baking sheet. I prefer a baking sheet because it allows for a nice crust all around. Shape it into a loaf, about 9x5 inches and 2-3 inches high. Make sure it's even so it cooks uniformly. I always try to make it look perfectly symmetrical, but honestly, it usually ends up a bit rustic, which is part of its charm. Just make sure it's not too compact, you want some air in there for tenderness.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for your glaze. This tangy-sweet topping is what gives meatloaf its signature look and flavor. Once it's all smooth, spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of your formed loaf. Don't worry about being too neat; a little drip adds character. This first layer bakes on, creating a delicious caramelized crust.
06 - Pop your meatloaf into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then pull it out and brush the remaining glaze over the top. The smell at this point is just incredible, pure comfort! Return it to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking before slicing. This resting period is crucial; it helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice of your classic homemade meatloaf is moist and tender.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the meat; it makes your meatloaf tough, I learned that the hard way.
02 - Always let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking; it’s crucial for juicy results.
03 - Crushed saltines can work for breadcrumbs in a pinch, but watch the salt content!
04 - Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a simple green salad for the ultimate comfort meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - measuring cups and spoons
03 - whisk
04 - knife
05 - cutting board
06 - baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet
07 - meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 35g

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