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A freshly baked All-American meatloaf, perfectly sliced for serving.

Classic All-American Meatloaf

This classic all-American meatloaf recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a family meal. Made with ground beef and a savory glaze, it's a timeless favorite that's easy to prepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Loaf Pan or Baking Sheet
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  • Gently mix all ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to prevent a tough meatloaf.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or onto the baking sheet.
  • Prepare the glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
  • Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove the meatloaf, apply the remaining glaze, and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moister result.

Notes

For best results, use lean ground beef (80/20) and avoid overmixing the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.