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Juicy oven-baked meatloaf resting after baking with a caramelized glaze
Isaac blogger

Classic Homemade Meatloaf

A classic comfort-food meatloaf made with simple ingredients and baked until juicy, tender, and easy to slice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Glaze
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Preheat Oven
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
  5. Mix Ingredients
  6. In a large bowl, gently combine beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Shape
  8. Press mixture into loaf pan and shape evenly without packing tightly.
  9. Add Glaze Layer
  10. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread half evenly over the loaf.
  11. Bake
  12. Bake 60–70 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the thickest portion.
  13. Finish Glaze
  14. Spread remaining glaze over the loaf during the last 20 minutes of baking.
  15. Rest
  16. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute and texture firms.

Notes

    • Use moderately fatty beef (80–85% lean) for a moist, tender texture.
    • Cooking time may vary depending on oven performance and loaf thickness.
    • Mix gently and avoid packing the mixture too tightly.
    • Let meatloaf rest before slicing so it holds together.
    • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
    • Reheat covered in oven or microwave until heated through.