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Classic Homemade Meatloaf

A perfectly balanced meatloaf recipe that's moist, tender, and foolproof, making it a family favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup Plus 1/2 cup for glaze.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Substitution Options
  • Ground turkey for a leaner version
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions
  • Oatmeal as a healthy alternative to breadcrumbs

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl, letting them soak for 5 minutes.
Mix Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
  2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix!
Shape and Glaze
  1. Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan, shaping it into an even loaf.
  2. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and spread over the top.
Bake
  1. Bake for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  2. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Common mistakes to avoid include overmixing the meat mixture, using lean meat only, skipping the rest time, not using a meat thermometer, and forgetting to soak the breadcrumbs.