Go Back
An easy family meatloaf dinner, ready to be served on a kitchen counter.

Easy Family Meatloaf Dinner

This classic meatloaf recipe is a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner. It features a savory blend of ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
  • 1 Onion small, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic freshly minced
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Panko or regular
  • 1/4 cup Milk
  • 2 Eggs large
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup divided
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce divided
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Dijon or yellow
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs e.g., oregano, thyme, or Italian blend

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Loaf Pan or Baking Sheet
  • Small Skillet
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or a baking sheet.
  2. Sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic in a small skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes; then let them cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs; mix gently until just combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to form an even loaf, or shape it into a 9x5 inch rectangular loaf on a baking sheet.
Glaze and Baking
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and mustard until smooth.
  2. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  3. Bake for 45 minutes.
  4. Remove the meatloaf, spread the remaining glaze, and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Resting
  1. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure it remains moist and flavorful.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture, as this can make it tough. Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for a juicy result.