A classic and hearty homemade meatloaf that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients for a moist and delicious result.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the glaze:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix gently until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan or baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf, about 8×4 inches if free-forming.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sides.
Enjoy your homemade meatloaf!