Description
This classic meatloaf recipe features ground beef, bread crumbs, and aromatics, topped with a tangy tomato glaze. It’s a comforting, juicy, and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup milk or broth
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 cup ketchup or tomato paste (for glaze)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape the meatloaf free-form on a baking sheet.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs until well combined.
- Add Aromatics & Bread Crumbs: Stir in the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and bread crumbs. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the bread crumbs to absorb the liquid.
- Mix in Ground Meat: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Gently mix with your hands until just combined and uniformly moist. Do not overmix.
- Form the Loaf: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan, or shape into a 9×5-inch loaf on a baking sheet.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 0.5 cup ketchup (or tomato paste), 1 tsp Worcestershire, and 1 Tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup for a rich tomato glaze.
- Apply First Glaze: Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the loaf.
- Bake Initial: Bake for 45 minutes, until the edges begin to firm up and lightly brown.
- Apply Second Glaze & Finish Baking: Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf. Return to oven and bake for another 15-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbly.
Notes
To prevent crumbling, ensure enough binders (egg, bread crumbs). Avoid overmixing and overcooking to keep it moist; use 80/20 ground beef. For variations, try ground turkey, panko, or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Use a meat thermometer for doneness (160°F internal temp).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (110 g)
- Calories: 370 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: meatloaf, ground beef, family dinner, comfort food, tomato glaze, easy, baked, savory, weeknight meal, bread crumbs