Classic Family Meatloaf: Tender & Flavorful Dinner (Print Version)

Whip up our Classic Family Meatloaf. Tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavor, it's the ultimate weeknight comfort food.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 65 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy (can be dairy-free with milk substitute)

# Ingredients:

→ Meatloaf Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck)
02 - 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
03 - 3 cloves garlic (minced)

→ Binder & Moisture

04 - 1/2 cup whole milk
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Tangy Glaze

10 - 1/2 cup ketchup
11 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
12 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
13 - 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

→ Optional Garnish

14 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab that yellow onion and get it finely diced. Then, mince your garlic. I usually give the onion a quick sauté in a little olive oil until it's soft and translucent, maybe 5-7 minutes. This step makes such a difference, trust me, for a smooth texture in your Classic Family Meatloaf. It smells so good, filling the kitchen with a warm, savory scent even before the meat hits the pan. Let it cool a bit before adding to the meat.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and the large egg until they're well combined. Then, toss in your breadcrumbs. Let them sit for a few minutes, maybe 5, to really soak up all that liquid. This is crucial for a moist meatloaf! I once forgot this step, and the breadcrumbs stayed a bit crunchy, which was an interesting, not-so-great, texture in the finished meatloaf. Don't make my mistake, let them hydrate!
03 - Now, add your ground beef to the bowl with the soaked breadcrumbs, along with the cooled sautéed onion and minced garlic. Sprinkle in a good pinch of salt and black pepper. This is where you get your hands dirty! Gently mix everything together using your hands. The key here is to mix just until combined; overmixing will make your Classic Family Meatloaf tough, and we want tender, remember? It feels a bit squishy, but that's what you're aiming for.
04 - Transfer the meat mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper – seriously, parchment paper is a lifesaver for cleanup. Shape the mixture into a loaf, about 9x5 inches. Don't pack it down too tightly, just a gentle, even shape. I always try to make mine look neat, but honestly, it never ends up perfectly symmetrical, and that's totally fine! It’s rustic, right?
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. This glaze is what makes this Classic Family Meatloaf truly special, giving it that irresistible sweet and savory crust. I’ve accidentally used too much brown sugar once, and it got a bit sticky, so stick to the recipe here! It should be a beautiful, glossy, dark red color.
06 - Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of your shaped meatloaf. Now, pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 45 minutes. Then, pull it out, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The kitchen will smell amazing, like pure comfort. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, it really helps keep those juices in!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix your meatloaf mixture, honestly. It makes it tough, and nobody wants a chewy meatloaf!
02 - This meatloaf actually tastes better the next day! I always make extra for easy lunch meal prep.
03 - No breadcrumbs? Crushed crackers or even finely ground oats work in a pinch, I've tried it!
04 - A little fresh parsley sprinkled on top after baking just brightens everything up, trust me.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - small mixing bowl
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife
06 - baking sheet
07 - parchment paper
08 - meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g

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