Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze (Printable)

Tender ground beef loaf with herbs, spices, and a tangy ketchup glaze topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Binders & Fillers

04 - ¾ cup breadcrumbs
05 - ⅔ cup whole milk
06 - 2 large eggs

→ Flavorings & Seasoning

07 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 ½ tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp black pepper
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika

→ Glaze

12 - ½ cup ketchup
13 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
14 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
15 - 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
02 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
03 - In a large bowl, mix ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika until just combined. Do not overmix.
04 - Shape the mixture into a loaf (about 8 x 4 inches) and place on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
06 - Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
07 - Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from oven.
08 - Spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
09 - Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tangy sweet glaze caramelizes into a sticky crust that everyone fights over
  • Makes enough for dinner tonight plus sandwiches tomorrow
  • Comes together with ingredients you probably already have
02 -
  • Overmixing the meat will make your meatloaf tough and dense
  • Letting it rest is nonnegotiable or all those juices will run out onto the cutting board
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking which is the most common mistake
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to save yourself from scrubbing baked on glaze
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