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Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

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4.5 from 319 reviews

This classic Old-Fashioned Meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with flavorful seasonings and a tangy ketchup glaze, baked to perfection. A comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
  2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, beaten eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup ketchup. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Shape Meatloaf: Form the combined mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a baking dish or loaf pan, ensuring it’s evenly shaped for uniform cooking.
  4. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup with brown sugar and mustard until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a sweet and tangy finish.
  5. Bake: Place the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), indicating it’s safely cooked through.
  6. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier.
  7. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, ideally with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  • Letting the meatloaf rest after baking improves texture and flavor.
  • You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for additional flavor.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.