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An easy family meatloaf dinner, ready to be served on a kitchen counter.

Classic Easy Family Meatloaf Dinner

This classic meatloaf recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for a satisfying family dinner. The tangy glaze adds a delicious finish to this comforting dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Loaf pan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko or plain
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk whole milk or 2%
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic for the last minute.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the cooled sautéed vegetables.
  • Gently mix all ingredients by hand until just combined, being careful not to overmix to prevent toughness.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it into an even loaf shape.

Baking

  • Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create the glaze.
  • Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, apply the remaining glaze, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Serving

  • Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it remains tender and moist.

Notes

For easy cleanup, line your loaf pan with parchment paper. Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a flavorful and moist meatloaf. Avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender. A meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Remember to let the meatloaf rest before slicing for the best texture.