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The Best Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Meatloaf Recipe You'll Crave Again and Again

The Best Meatloaf Recipe captures juicy ground beef, seasoned to perfection and topped with a zesty glaze that elevates it into something truly special.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 1 lb lean ground beef opt for an 80/20 blend for a juicy experience
  • 1 medium onion sautéed in butter for a sweeter flavor
  • 1 tbsp butter for sautéing onions
  • 2 large eggs essential for binding ingredients
  • ½ cup milk hydrates the breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs can swap for seasoned breadcrumbs if necessary
  • ⅓ cup ketchup or chili sauce substitute with BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning enhances the herbaceous flavor
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley dried parsley works too
  • to taste kosher salt & black pepper crucial for seasoning
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (optional) adds a hint of sweetness to the topping
For the Topping
  • ¼ cup ketchup or chili sauce provides a zesty glaze
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional) balances the acidity of the sauce
  • to taste Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard (optional) elevates flavor profile

Equipment

  • Medium skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • baking pan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan with foil and cooking spray.
  2. Sauté chopped onion in melted butter over medium-low heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs; let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine soaked mixture with ground beef, cooled onions, ketchup, seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  5. Shape mixture into a loaf in the prepared pan, ensuring an indentation on top.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes until firm and internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  7. While baking, mix ketchup with brown sugar to create the topping.
  8. After 40 minutes, spread the topping over the meatloaf and return to the oven for another 15-30 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For variations, try ground turkey or different toppings. Pair with sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a comforting meal.

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