Go Back
A savory family favorite meatloaf, perfectly baked and sliced on a serving platter.

Classic Family Favorite Meatloaf

A hearty and comforting meatloaf recipe that's perfect for a family dinner. Made with a blend of ground beef, aromatics, and a savory glaze, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet or Loaf Pan
  • Small Bowl
  • Oven
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

Main Loaf

  • 1.5 - 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium Onion, finely diced
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • ½ cup Bell Pepper (any color), finely diced optional
  • ½ cup Breadcrumbs (plain dried, fresh, or panko)
  • 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup Milk (whole milk or buttermilk)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup or Tomato Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh dried Herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme, oregano) or fresh herbs

Glaze

  • ½ cup Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic in olive oil until softened, then let cool.
  • Whisk egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup/tomato paste, and mustard in a large bowl.
  • Stir in breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and herbs; allow breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
  • Add ground beef and cooled sautéed vegetables to the mixture.
  • Gently mix all ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf on a greased baking sheet or press into a loaf pan.
  • Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire for the glaze.
  • Bake meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes without glaze.
  • Apply glaze after 40 minutes and continue baking for 20-30 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture to ensure a tender texture. Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps it retain its shape and juices.