Go Back
A simple oven baked meatloaf, golden brown and perfectly cooked.

Classic Simple Oven Baked Meatloaf

This classic simple oven baked meatloaf recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family meal. Made with ground beef, a savory blend of seasonings, and topped with a tangy glaze, it's easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking sheet or loaf pan
  • parchment paper or foil (optional)
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • small bowl

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean is ideal
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup milk any kind
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze

  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, or lightly grease a loaf pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
  • Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the milk and egg mixture, then stir well.
  • Add the ground beef and breadcrumbs to the bowl, then gently mix all the ingredients until just combined using your hands.
  • Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a free-form loaf, about 9x5 inches and 2-3 inches high, or press it evenly into a loaf pan.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth to create the glaze.
  • Pour or brush about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Baking

  • Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
  • After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the top; return it to the oven and continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Resting

  • Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture, as this can lead to a dense texture. Ensure meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.