Classic Homemade Meatloaf

A classic homemade meatloaf recipe that is easy to moderate in difficulty, serving 6-8 slices. It features ground beef with a savory glaze and can be paired with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2 lbs) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh)
• ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon) (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon, avoiding overmixing.
3. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking tray. If using a tray, form a compact loaf shape about 2–3 inches high.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spread half of this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
6. After 40 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
7. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
8. Slice into thick portions and serve warm.

Notes

Use ground beef with some fat (80/20) to keep the loaf juicy. Don't skip the milk as it hydrates the breadcrumbs and adds moisture. You can customize flavors by adding herbs like thyme or oregano, or add finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for texture. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Variations include using ground turkey, adding a layer of cheese in the center, adding chili flakes for spice, or replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour for a low-carb option.