This classic homemade meatloaf is hearty, juicy, and packed with savory flavor. Made with seasoned ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, and a sweet-tangy glaze, it slices beautifully and makes a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into an even loaf.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the glaze: Spread about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the top.
- Finish cooking: Continue baking until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve thick slices of homemade meatloaf with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Buttered corn
- Dinner rolls
- Simple green salad
Tips for Juicy Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix the ground beef mixture.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing.
- Use ground beef with some fat for better flavor and moisture.
- For extra flavor, sauté the onion before adding it to the meat mixture.
- Leftover slices are excellent in sandwiches the next day.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8