Homemade Beef Meatloaf

The Ultimate Comfort Food For Busy Nights

Looking for a classic dinner that feels like a warm hug? This Homemade Beef Meatloaf is a crowd-pleasing favorite that delivers juicy, tender results every single time. Perfect for cozy family dinners or easy weeknight meal prep, this recipe is designed to save you time without sacrificing that deep, savory flavor you crave. Whether you are serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, this hearty meal is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Get ready to master the art of the perfect meatloaf with these simple, foolproof techniques that guarantee a tender texture and a perfectly caramelized glaze in every bite!

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

📝 Ingredients List

• 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 lean)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the Glaze:
• 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large mixing bowl
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
• Small whisk or fork
• Baking sheet (to catch potential drips)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your loaf pan lightly with oil or cooking spray. 👩‍🍳
2. Soak Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the milk is absorbed; this ensures a moist meatloaf.
3. Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
4. Form the Loaf: Press the mixture evenly into your prepared loaf pan.
5. Glaze and Bake: Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Spread the glaze over the top of the loaf. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F.
6. Resting: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every piece succulent! ✨

💡 Pro Tips Section

• Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the meatloaf tender rather than dense.
• The Drip Pan: Place your loaf pan on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent any sauce or juices from spilling onto your oven floor.

Variations

• Add Veggies: Finely grate carrots or zucchini into the mixture for an extra nutrient boost.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.

FAQ

• Can I use a different meat? Yes, you can substitute half the beef with ground venison for a leaner, gamey twist.
• Why did my meatloaf crack? Cracking usually happens if the oven is too hot or the mixture is packed too tightly. Keep it light!

Homemade Beef Meatloaf

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• Author: Samantha Jones
• Total Time: 70
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This classic Homemade Beef Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, designed to be juicy, tender, and incredibly savory. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe uses simple techniques like soaking breadcrumbs in milk to ensure a moist texture every time. Topped with a tangy, caramelized ketchup glaze, this hearty dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, making it a reliable staple for your meal rotation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 lbs ground beef (85/15 lean)
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup tomato ketchup (for glaze)
2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes until fully absorbed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients by hand until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure you do not overmix the meat to keep the texture tender.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 55
• Category: Recipes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 115mg