Description
This classic meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with sautéed onions, eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley, topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Baked to perfection, it makes a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 80% lean)
- 1 medium onion (1 cup, finely chopped)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Glaze Sauce
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prep: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, then preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled sautéed onions, eggs, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons ketchup, fresh parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix gently using your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaf and Bake: Place the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and form it into a loaf approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the meatloaf glaze.
- Add the Glaze: Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the partially baked meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F as measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting helps the meatloaf set, making it easier to slice and serving more moist and flavorful.
Notes
- Using 80-85% lean ground beef strikes a perfect balance between flavor and moisture.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking ensures cleaner slices and juicier meat.
- Feel free to substitute milk with a lactose-free alternative if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs, finely crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs will work as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, ground beef recipe, easy meatloaf, comforting dinner
