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The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

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  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic meatloaf recipe combines lean ground beef with a blend of flavorful ingredients and a tangy-sweet ketchup topping. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, it's a comforting dinner favorite that serves 10 and comes together in just over an hour.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 cup dried bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp. ketchup
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley leaves
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Topping

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to ensure it's ready for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dried bread crumbs, diced onion, milk, beaten egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything well until evenly combined, creating a uniform meat mixture.
  3. Form Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and pat it down evenly to form a compact loaf shape, ensuring consistent cooking.
  4. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup ketchup, light brown sugar, and red wine vinegar until smooth. Pour this sauce over the top of the meatloaf and spread it evenly for a flavorful glaze.
  5. Bake: Place the loaf pan uncovered in the oven and bake for 55 minutes, allowing the meatloaf to cook through and the topping to caramelize.
  6. Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 8 to 10 minutes outside the oven. This helps it set and makes slicing easier without falling apart.

Notes

  • For best results, use 90% lean ground beef to keep it flavorful yet not too greasy.
  • Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing ensures it holds together better.
  • You can substitute the loaf pan with a baking dish if preferred, just shape the meatloaf accordingly.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.