Description
Hearty classic homestyle meatloaf brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen with its irresistible blend of ground beef and savory seasonings. Rich glazed top and tender interior promise a satisfying meal that transports you to warm family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef
- 1 large egg
Vegetable and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup (for the meatloaf)
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup (for the glaze)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for the glaze)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (for the glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef with finely diced onions, crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, and a beaten egg, creating a harmonious base for the meatloaf.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture, gently folding ingredients until they are evenly distributed and cohesive.
- Carefully mold the seasoned meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, transferring it to a prepared loaf pan with precision.
- Craft a tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate bowl, ensuring a smooth and well-integrated coating.
- Generously spread the glossy glaze over the surface of the meatloaf, creating an appetizing and flavorful exterior.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F (70°C).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest briefly, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender result.
- Slice the meatloaf into portions and serve hot, showcasing the rich flavors and inviting appearance of this classic comfort dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess fat without compromising flavor and juiciness.
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent a tough, dense texture; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
- Add finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and maintain moisture in the meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg