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The Best Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe features a sweet and tangy glaze that is easy to make, perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 338 kcal

Equipment

  • medium skillet
  • large bowl
  • rimmed baking sheet
  • loaf pan

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 80% lean
  • 1 med onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoon ketchup
  • 3 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs
  • cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients

  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 1.5 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions
 

Preparation Instructions

  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup, and preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil and chopped onion and saute, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  • In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix just until well combined (your hands are your best tool for mixing - put on disposable gloves if you want to).
  • Add meat to the pan and shape it into a meatloaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Bake uncovered at 350˚F for 40 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, add the sauce ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Spread the sauce over the Meatloaf, then return to the oven and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚F on an instant-read thermometer. Rest the meatloaf for 10-15 minutes before serving and it will be much easier to slice.

Notes

You can replace half the meat with ground turkey, chicken, or pork (or even Italian sausage). Poultry must be baked to 165˚F. Do not overmix the meat mixture to prevent a dense meatloaf. For baking in a loaf pan, line the pan with parchment paper and increase the temperature to 375˚F if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 20gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 568mgPotassium: 478mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg
Keyword classic recipe, comfort food, dinner, easy recipe, meatloaf
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