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

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.

Questions

Can I make Classic Meatloaf dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/2 cup whole milk. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Classic Meatloaf gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko; the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Classic Meatloaf keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat covered in a 300 F oven until warmed through.

Can I halve or double Classic Meatloaf?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

Serve it with

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