This hearty meatloaf has a tender, juicy center packed with savory flavor and a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s an easy comfort-food dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lb (900 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or loaf pan.
2. Soften the breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Stir and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
3. Prepare the meat mixture
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, softened breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parsley.
4. Mix gently
Using clean hands or a large spoon, mix everything until just combined.
Don’t overmix. Mixing too much can make the finished meatloaf dense instead of tender.
5. Shape the meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into an even loaf.
Try to keep the thickness relatively uniform so it cooks evenly.
6. Make the glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
7. Add the first layer of glaze
Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
8. Bake
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
Remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
9. Finish baking
Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15–25 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C)on an instant-read thermometer.
The glaze should be glossy and nicely caramelized.
10. Rest before slicing
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meatloaf easier to cut without falling apart.
11. Serve
Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple salad.
⭐ Tips for a Tender Meatloaf
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing them into the meat.
- Don’t overwork the ground beef mixture.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- For an even richer glaze, brush on a little extra during the final 5 minutes of baking.
This is the kind of comforting homemade dinner that deserves a place in the regular rotation. 🍽️
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