Classic Traditional Family Meatloaf
This classic meatloaf recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a family dinner. Made with ground beef, a savory blend of seasonings, and a simple ketchup glaze, it's easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Loaf Pan
- Instant-Read Thermometer
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 chuck
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko or plain
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 cup Milk or beef broth
- 1/4 cup Ketchup for glaze and/or mixed in
- 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs oregano, thyme, basil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your aromatics by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs lightly, then add breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup ketchup, allowing the mixture to sit for a few minutes.
- Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to the binder mixture.
- Gently mix all ingredients with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix the meatloaf mixture.
Baking
- Transfer the meat mixture to a prepared baking dish, shaping it into an even loaf in a loaf pan or freeform on a baking sheet.
- Spread the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf before placing it in the oven.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
Resting
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can caramelize the onions slightly before adding them to the meatloaf mixture. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.