Perfect Meatloaf
Juicy, flavorful, and foolproof, this Perfect Meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food classic. Made with a tender blend of 80% lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk, it achieves the perfect balance of moisture and texture while savory additions like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and finely diced onion elevate its flavor. A rich, tangy ketchup glaze, enhanced with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, caramelizes to perfection as it bakes, creating an irresistible topping. Ready in just over an hour with minimal prep work, this meatloaf is an ideal weeknight dinner for the whole family. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a satisfying, homestyle meal. Classic meatloaf has never been this easy—or this delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely diced onion, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix the ingredients gently with your hands or a spatula until they are evenly combined, being careful not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf dense.
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan, shaping it into a smooth loaf approximately 9 inches long and 4 inches wide, if using a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf using a spoon or a spatula.
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape when cutting.
Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3261 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 203.4 g | 261% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.0 g | 390% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1009 mg | 336% | |
| Sodium | 6380 mg | 277% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 173.5 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 74.7 g | ||
| Protein | 187.4 g | 375% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.7 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 500 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 26.8 mg | 149% | |
| Potassium | 3274 mg | 70% | |
*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.
