Description
Classic meatloaf with tangy glaze delivers comfort and nostalgia in one hearty dish. Home cooks appreciate this simple yet satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
Binders and Moisture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (240 grams) breadcrumbs
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) ketchup
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and set up a baking surface with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Carefully mold the meat mixture into a compact, uniform loaf shape, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Create a tangy glaze by whisking ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-integrated.
- Generously coat the meatloaf with half of the prepared glaze, ensuring complete surface coverage.
- Roast the meatloaf for 45 minutes, then remove from the oven and apply the remaining glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), guaranteeing safe and thorough cooking.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Notes
- Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
- Ensure even cooking by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, preventing dryness or undercooking.
- Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
- Enhance moisture by adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots, which also boost nutritional value and keep the meatloaf tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 383
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg