Classic Easy Meatloaf for Busy Nights
This classic meatloaf recipe is simple to prepare and results in a flavorful, juicy dish, ideal for a satisfying family dinner on a busy night.
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef or a mix of beef, pork, and/or veal
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced (optional, for extra veggies and flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs plain or Panko
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine diced onion, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mixing
- Add ground beef and the milk-egg mixture to the dry ingredients and gently combine until just mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape into a 9x5 inch loaf on a baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- While baking, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze.
- Remove meatloaf after 40 minutes, spread glaze over the top, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Resting
- Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure it is moist and tender.
Notes
For best results, do not overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can lead to a tough texture. Letting it rest after baking is crucial for a juicy result.