Simple Oven Baked Meatloaf
A classic, comforting meatloaf recipe that's easy to make and delicious to eat. This simple oven-baked meatloaf is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Equipment
- Baking dish or baking sheet
- Small pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs plain or panko
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 small Onion finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Ketchup/Tomato Paste for mixture
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce for mixture
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Glaze
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar or Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until softened, then let cool slightly.
Mixing and Shaping
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, sautéed aromatics, 1/4 cup ketchup/tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into a free-form loaf and place it in the prepared baking dish or on the baking sheet.
Baking
- Whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze in a small bowl.
- Bake the meatloaf for an initial 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, spread the glaze over the top, and continue baking for 25-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Resting and Serving
- Cover the meatloaf loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice into generous portions and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, choose a good quality ground beef. Don't skip the resting period, it ensures a juicy meatloaf!