“This homemade meatloaf is a comforting classic, embodying the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The blend of ground beef with onions, garlic, and a medley of spices creates a savory base, while the addition of breadcrumbs and eggs ensures a moist, tender loaf. The tangy ketchup and brown sugar glaze caramelizes on top, adding a sweet and savory finish that complements the rich meat perfectly. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad, this meatloaf brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.”
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef 🥩
- 1/4 cup milk 🥛
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the meatloaf.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, 1/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
- Mix the Ingredients: Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to form a loaf shape. You can also free-form the loaf on a baking sheet if you prefer a crustier exterior.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of ketchup and brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This adds a delicious sweet and tangy glaze to the meatloaf.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is nicely browned. The cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the loaf, so it’s a good idea to start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful loaf.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice the meatloaf and serve it hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
