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+ servings
recipe image of ground beef onion garlic eggs breadcrumbs milk ketchup worcestershire sauce brown sugar salt black pepper italian seasoning fresh parsley ground pork bell pepper bbq sauce honey dijon mustard apple cider vinegar garlic powder onion powder paprika cabbage mushrooms spinach mozzarella cheese arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Mouthwatering Meatloaf

This ultimate comfort food dinner transforms affordable ingredients into a powerhouse of flavor, ensuring a juicy, tender meatloaf every time with a sweet and tangy glaze that's perfectly caramelized.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

The Meat
  • 2 lbs Ground beef (80-85% lean)
The Binders
  • 2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Whole milk
  • 1 large Egg
The Aromatics
  • 1 medium Yellow onion finely minced
  • 3 cloves Fresh garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil for sautéing
The Seasonings
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley finely chopped
The Glaze Base
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup or BBQ sauce for variation
  • 1/4 cup Light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl,
  • Small bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Meat thermometer
  • - Whisk
  • - Spatula

Method
 

Prep the Binders
  1. In a small bowl, combine the 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup whole milk. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
Sauté the Aromatics
  1. While the binders soak, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Build the Meatloaf Mixture
  1. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the 2 lbs ground beef, soaked breadcrumb mixture, sautéed onion and garlic, 1 large egg, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley.
  2. Use your hands to mix gently just until all ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough texture.
  3. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease if needed. Transfer the meat mixture to the sheet and shape into a loaf about 9 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2.5 inches high.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unglazed loaf in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove the loaf from oven, brush half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides.
  7. Return to oven and bake for another 35-45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Allow carry-over cooking to reach 165°F.
  8. Let rest on baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 20g

Notes

For maximum moisture, use ground beef with 80-85% lean. Optional: Substitute 1 lb beef with ground pork. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in 300°F oven with foil and broth for 15-20 minutes. Pro tip: Gentle mixing is key for tenderness.
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