Description
This classic homemade meatloaf recipe features a juicy blend of ground beef mixed with flavorful spices, onions, and breadcrumbs, baked to perfection with a tangy and sweet ketchup-based glaze. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and yields tender, delicious slices that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir with a fork until the ingredients are well combined.
- Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl and use your hands to gently mix all ingredients together until fully combined. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to fit.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 45 minutes. After this initial baking time, spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160° F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160° F.
- Do not over-mix the meat; it can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
- Feel free to swap Panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
- You can add finely chopped bell peppers or carrots to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
