Classic Comfort Meatloaf Dinner
This classic comfort meatloaf recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. With a savory glaze, it's a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Equipment
- baking sheet
- skillet
- large bowl
- small bowl
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 lean is ideal for moisture)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper finely chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard (Dijon or yellow)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic in a small skillet over medium heat until softened, then let cool slightly.
Assembly and Baking
- Gently combine the ground beef, sautéed vegetables, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until just mixed.
- Shape the meat mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard in a small bowl to create the glaze.
- Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, apply the remaining glaze, and continue baking for 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
For best results, do not overmix the meatloaf mixture to ensure a tender texture. Resting the meatloaf before slicing is crucial to keep it juicy.