Description
Classic meatloaf with tangy brown sugar glaze combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings for a comforting family dinner. Home cooks can enjoy this hearty midwestern dish that delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring an ideal cooking temperature for the meatloaf.
- Create a comprehensive mixture by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
- Carefully form the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, positioning it centrally on a parchment-lined baking sheet or inside a standard loaf pan.
- Craft a robust glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a separate small container, then generously apply the first layer of glaze across the meatloaf’s surface.
- Transfer the prepared meatloaf to the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes, allowing the initial cooking phase to develop rich flavors and textures.
- Remove the meatloaf momentarily, spread the remaining glaze evenly, and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (71C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest and stabilize for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, succulent final result before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that fits different dietary needs.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding finely chopped herbs like fresh parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for effortless cleanup and easier meatloaf removal without sticking.
- For a gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the perfect texture and binding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg