Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and hearty satisfaction to any dinner table. This ultimate meatloaf recipe combines the perfect blend of ground meat, aromatic vegetables, savory seasonings, and a sweet-and-tangy glaze. Follow these detailed instructions to make a meatloaf that’s moist, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for the right fat balance)
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style or panko)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, prepare your loaf mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper.
These vegetables add both moisture and flavor to your meatloaf, so make sure they are finely diced for even distribution and better texture.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Pour this wet mixture into the meat mixture. Then, add the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
Using clean hands or a spoon, gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix — this can make the meatloaf tough. Just mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Next, shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also use a loaf pan, but shaping it by hand allows the glaze to coat more surface area. Smooth out the top and sides of the loaf.
In a small bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Spread half of this glaze evenly over the top of the uncooked meatloaf. Reserve the other half for later.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After that, remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
Return it to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Slice thick and serve warm, ideally with mashed potatoes and a side of green beans or roasted vegetables for the ultimate comfort meal.
Enjoy your ultimate meatloaf — it’s savory, juicy, perfectly glazed, and made with love!
