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A perfectly baked classic beef meatloaf, sliced and ready to serve.

Classic Beef Meatloaf

This classic beef meatloaf recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a comforting family meal. Made with a blend of ground beef, savory seasonings, and a delicious sweet and tangy glaze, it's sure to become a household favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 slices

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Loaf Pan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Small Pan
  • Large Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Instant-Read Thermometer

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko/crushed saltines
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup for the mixture
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Sauté the diced onion in a small pan for 5-7 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute; let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir in breadcrumbs and the cooled onion and garlic mixture, allowing it to sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
  • Add ground beef and gently mix everything by hand until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  • Form the mixture into an even loaf shape in a loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • For the glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, then remove and spread half of the glaze evenly over the top.
  • Return to the oven and bake for another 15-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can result in a tough texture. Resting the meatloaf before slicing is crucial for juiciness.