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Classic Comforting Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Tangy Ketchup Glaze

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A classic, comforting meatloaf made with ground beef and topped with a tangy, slightly sweet ketchup glaze. Perfect for cozy family dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and milk. Add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined. If mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash more milk.
  3. Shape the mixture into an 8-inch long by 4-inch wide loaf on the baking sheet or place it in the loaf pan.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Taste to ensure a balance of tang and sweetness.
  5. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.
  6. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Halfway through cooking (around 22 minutes), brush the remaining glaze over the top again. If the top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil.
  7. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) in the center. Alternatively, cut into the meatloaf to ensure juices run clear and there is no pink inside.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
  9. Serve warm, spooning any pan juices over the slices if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the loaf tender. Use fresh onions and garlic for best flavor. Apply the ketchup glaze twice during baking for a sticky, flavorful crust. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs accordingly. For a spicy twist, add hot sauce to the glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, ketchup glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, ground beef, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/classic-comforting-meatloaf-recipe-with-easy-tangy-ketchup-glaze/