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A serving of classic meatloaf on a white plate with gravy

Classic Meatloaf Plate

This classic meatloaf recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner. Made with ground beef, seasonings, and a delicious glaze, it's a timeless favorite everyone will enjoy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Mixture
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1 cup Crushed Saltine Crackers
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup for internal mixture
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped Onion
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Glaze (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Loaf Pan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, 1/2 cup ketchup, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing gently to avoid overmixing.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape into a free-form loaf on the baking sheet.
Glaze & Baking
  1. If glazing, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
  2. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven, spread glaze if desired, then return to oven for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and glaze is caramelized.
Resting & Serving
  1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to redistribute juices.
  2. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use a lean-to-fat ratio of 80/20 for the ground beef to keep the meatloaf moist but not overly greasy. Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture to ensure a tender texture. Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking is crucial for a juicy result.