Description
A classic and flavorful meatloaf recipe made with ground beef, sautéed onions, and a tangy homemade ketchup glaze. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner and bakes to juicy perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 80% lean)
- 1 medium onion (1 cup), finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Sauce
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prep: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled sautéed onions, eggs, minced garlic, ketchup, fresh parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly using your hands or disposable gloves until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape Meatloaf and Bake: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Bake the loaf uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: While the meatloaf bakes, stir together the ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl until smooth.
- Add the Glaze: After the initial 40 minutes of baking, spread the sauce mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use ground beef with 80-85% lean content for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free bread crumbs if needed.
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing is important for clean slices and juicy meatloaf.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness and food safety.
- For extra flavor, feel free to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard to the meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meatloaf recipe, classic meatloaf, ground beef meatloaf, meatloaf glaze, easy meatloaf, baked meatloaf
