Grandpa Joes
Hearty, flavorful, and nostalgic, Grandpa Joe’s meatloaf is a classic comfort food recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Made with an 80/20 blend of ground beef, this tender meatloaf is elevated by the addition of milk-soaked breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and a medley of savory spices, including thyme and paprika. The star of the show, however, is the irresistible brown sugar glaze—a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors thanks to ketchup and apple cider vinegar. With just 30 minutes of prep and a rich, caramelized finish after baking, this recipe is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a simple Sunday meal. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a dish that always feels like home. Keywords: classic meatloaf recipe, comfort food dinner, easy meatloaf with glaze, family-friendly meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup whole milk
- 2 pcs large eggs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 pcs garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup ketchup, for mixture
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.333 cup ketchup, for glaze
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
Add the ground beef, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Use clean hands or a large spoon to mix the ingredients together just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it onto the prepared baking sheet, or press it into the greased loaf pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.
Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) on a meat thermometer.
Halfway through baking (around the 30-minute mark), spread the remaining glaze on top for a richer flavor.
Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
534 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.5 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.0 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 170 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 679 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.8 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.0 g | ||
| Protein | 30.5 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 601 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
