The Best Classic Meatloaf

Rediscover the comfort of home-cooked meals with this classic meatloaf recipe, a staple that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table. This meatloaf combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, moist dish, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

Crafting the Perfect Classic Meatloaf

This recipe focuses on achieving a tender, juicy meatloaf with a richly flavored glaze that sets it apart from the rest. Here’s how to make your meatloaf memorable and mouth-watering.

Essential Tips for Making Classic Meatloaf

1. Mixing Ingredients: Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
2. Moisture is Key: The combination of milk and egg in the mixture helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender as it cooks.
3. Season Well: Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder enrich the meat with deep, savory flavors, balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
4. Forming the Loaf: Shape the meatloaf evenly on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. A consistent shape helps it cook uniformly.
5. Glazing to Perfection: Applying the glaze in two stages allows the first layer to bake into the meat, while the second layer adds a rich, glossy finish.
6. Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it moist and easier to slice.

Recipe: The Best Classic Meatloaf

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Serving: Serves 4-6
• Equipment needed: Large bowl, loaf pan or baking sheet, small bowl

Ingredients:

• Meatloaf:
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Shape and Place: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread half of this glaze over the meatloaf before baking.
5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour. After the hour, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing. This helps retain its juices.

Dive Into Deliciousness

Serve this classic meatloaf with sides of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a traditional, comforting meal. It’s perfect for a hearty family dinner and tastes even better when shared. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.