Description
This classic meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food—moist, flavorful, and topped with a tangy homemade glaze. Made with ground beef, savory herbs, and a crispy ketchup sauce, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. Whether baked free-form or in a loaf pan, this meatloaf delivers that hearty, home-cooked satisfaction everyone loves.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
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2 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 tsp olive oil
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2 large eggs
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp ketchup
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3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
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¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
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⅓ cup milk
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp ground black pepper
Meatloaf Sauce (Glaze):
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¾ cup ketchup
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1 ½ tsp white vinegar
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
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Prep:
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Sauté Onions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. -
Make Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until just combined — do not overmix. -
Shape & Bake:
Shape the meat mixture into an 8x4x3 inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes. -
Prepare Sauce:
While baking, mix all glaze ingredients in a small bowl. -
Glaze & Finish Baking:
Spread the sauce evenly over the meatloaf. Return to oven and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). -
Rest & Serve:
Let the meatloaf rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can replace half the beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option.
To bake in a loaf pan, line it with parchment paper, press the meat mixture in gently, bake at 375°F for the same times.
Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, comfort food, homemade meatloaf