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A freshly baked old-school classic meatloaf, perfectly browned and sliced.

Old-School Classic Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with savory seasonings and a tangy ketchup glaze for a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Loaf
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 0.5 cup milk (whole milk is best)
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Glaze
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Loaf pan or 8x4-inch baking dish
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs, allowing to sit for 5 minutes to absorb liquid.
  4. Add ground beef and parsley to the bowl, then gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and form it into an even loaf shape.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
  2. While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze.
  3. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf, spread the glaze over it, and return to the oven to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  4. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use lean ground beef to prevent excessive grease. You can also add finely grated carrots or bell peppers for extra vegetables and moisture. A meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.