Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe
This classic Old-Fashioned Meatloaf recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a family meal. Featuring a savory beef base and a tangy-sweet glaze, it's simple to prepare and yields a moist, delicious result every time.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Instant-Read Thermometer
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef 80/20 works great
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, or use a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk milk and egg, then let breadcrumbs soak in the mixture.
- Add onion, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and stir well.
- Add ground beef and gently mix all ingredients by hand until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the meat mixture into a free-form loaf on the baking sheet or press gently into a loaf pan.
Glaze and Bake
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze.
- Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the meatloaf, spread the remaining glaze, and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze caramelizes.
- After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to redistribute juices and ensure a moist result.
Notes
For best results, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender. Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for a moist and flavorful outcome.