Classic Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe
A hearty and flavorful classic meatloaf, perfect for a comforting family meal. Made with a blend of ground beef, savory seasonings, and a ketchup glaze.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Loaf pan or baking sheet
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1.5-2 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 lean to fat ratio
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Plain or Panko
- 1/2 cup Milk Whole milk preferred
- 1 small Onion Finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1/2 cup Ketchup Divided
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried herbs Optional: oregano or thyme
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs, then add the breadcrumbs and let them soak.
- Add the ground beef and gently mix all ingredients by hand until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it evenly, or shape it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet.
- Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Baking
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
Serving
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
For best results, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender. Letting the meatloaf rest after baking ensures it remains juicy and holds its shape well when sliced.