Here’s a simple, reliable meatloaf recipe you can follow with common pantry ingredients. Direct answer
- Classic meatloaf with a tangy ketchup glaze
- Serves about 4–6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or quick oats as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping, if desired)
Glaze (optional)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line a loaf pan with parchment.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined; avoid overworking to keep the loaf tender.
- Shape into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet or press into a loaf pan.
- Brush or spread 1/2 cup ketchup over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you’re using a loaf pan, you may need a few minutes longer.
- For a glossy glaze, mix glaze ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, mustard) and brush over the loaf for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Tips
- For juicier meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, swap half the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Leftovers make great meatloaf sandwiches or sliced cold on salads.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to dietary preferences (e.g., low-sodium, dairy-free, or gluten-free) or provide a no-gluten breadcrumb substitute.
