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A freshly baked easy homestyle meatloaf on a serving platter.

Easy Homestyle Meatloaf

This easy homestyle meatloaf recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a family dinner. Made with ground beef, a savory blend of seasonings, and a delicious glaze, it's simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 slices

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1.5 - 2 pounds Ground Beef 80/20 lean
  • 1 Onion small, finely diced or grated
  • 2-3 Garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs plain or panko
  • 1/4 cup Milk whole milk or any milk
  • 1 Egg large, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup plus extra for the glaze
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard optional
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs Italian seasoning, oregano, or thyme

For Glaze (optional)

  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Finely dice your onion and mince your garlic. You can grate the onion if you prefer a smoother texture.

Mixing

  • In a bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs and milk, then let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
  • Add the beaten egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture and stir until combined.
  • Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Forming and Baking

  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and shape it into an even loaf.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it preheats, prepare the glaze by mixing 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.
  • Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
  • Spread the glaze over the meatloaf and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meatloaf to ensure a tender, rather than tough, result. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the meatloaf is cooked safely to 160°F (71°C). Adjust the amount of dried herbs to your preference for a customized flavor profile.