Description

Perfect Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food made with juicy ground beef, a balanced blend of seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a sweet-spicy glaze. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep. Easily customized for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

– 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)

– 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF option)

– ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based for vegan)

– 2 large eggs

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

– 1 tsp dried thyme

– 1 tsp dried oregano

– 1½ tsp kosher salt

– ½ tsp black pepper

For the Glaze:

– ½ cup ketchup

– 2 tbsp brown sugar

– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

– ½ tsp smoked paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

– Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can result in a dense texture; mix just until combined.

– Prevent dryness: Use a mix of lean and fatty ground beef, include milk-soaked breadcrumbs, and avoid overcooking.

– Gluten-free option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze slices for longer storage; reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of broth or sauce to restore moisture.

– Customizations: Add grated Parmesan, shredded cheese, sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or diced jalapeños for variety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course / Comfort Food
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of recipe)
Calories: ~350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg (varies with seasoning, use low-sodium ingredients to reduce)
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg