Classic Meatloaf

Name: Classic Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (80/20); 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup ketchup (for meat mixture); 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/3 cup ketchup (for glaze); 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tsp Dijon mustard

A hearty American comfort food staple made with seasoned ground beef and topped with a tangy ketchup and brown sugar glaze that caramelizes in the oven.

80 minEasyServes 6410 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerOvenHigh ProteinPork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup ketchup (for meat mixture)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/3 cup ketchup (for glaze)
2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
2

In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup ketchup (for glaze), 2 tbsp packed brown sugar, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth. Set the glaze aside.
3

In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground beef (80/20), 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 beaten large eggs, 1/4 cup ketchup (for meat mixture), 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Mix with your hands until just combined - do not overwork the meat.
4

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into a uniform loaf. Spread half the glaze evenly over the top.
5

Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the top. Continue baking for 15-20 more minutes, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Questions

What is Classic Meatloaf?

A hearty American comfort food staple made with seasoned ground beef and topped with a tangy ketchup and brown sugar glaze that caramelizes in the oven. This reference files it under American dinner: made in the oven, rated easy and about 80 minutes start to finish.

What temperature do I cook Classic Meatloaf at?

For Classic Meatloaf, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 45 minutes, in step 5. The target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why does Classic Meatloaf say not to overmix?

Step 3 reads: "Mix with your hands until just combined - do not overwork the meat." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 3 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

What equipment do I need for Classic Meatloaf?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a loaf pan (step 1) and a sheet pan (step 1).

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce in Classic Meatloaf?

The entry for Classic Meatloaf calls for 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce. In its place: Soy sauce with a few drops of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Classic Meatloaf?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Classic Meatloaf uses 2 lbs ground beef (80/20).

Does Classic Meatloaf contain fish?

Yes: 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy, eggs and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

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