When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming, satisfying nature of a classic meatloaf. This recipe combines simple ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a touch of seasoning to create a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any dinner table. Paired with mashed potatoes or a green vegetable, this meatloaf becomes the ultimate comfort meal, one that brings warmth and joy with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80% lean is ideal for moisture and flavor)
• 1 large egg (helps bind the ingredients together)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for texture and moisture)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (adds flavor and moisture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for a touch of savory depth)
• 1 cup milk (adds moisture and helps bind the loaf)
• ½ cup ketchup (a bit for mixing and a bit for the glaze)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and depth of flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste (seasoning is key!)

For the glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for sweetness)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds a little tang)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it's nice and hot by the time your meatloaf is ready to go in.

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, ½ cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a dense meatloaf.

Shape the Loaf: Once the mixture is thoroughly combined, shape it into a loaf shape and place it in a lightly greased or lined baking dish. You can also place it on a baking sheet if you prefer a crisper exterior.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ½ cup of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, creating a smooth glaze.

Apply the Glaze: Spoon the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out, ensuring the entire surface is covered. This glaze will caramelize as the meatloaf bakes, adding both flavor and a lovely glossy finish.

Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The glaze should be bubbly and slightly caramelized around the edges, and the meatloaf should be fully cooked through.

Rest Before Slicing: Once the meatloaf is out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meatloaf even juicier.

Serve: Slice the meatloaf into thick, satisfying pieces and serve with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. The rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf, combined with the sweet and tangy glaze, make every bite irresistible.

Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf:

Choose the Right Meat: The key to a juicy meatloaf is using the right fat content. A mix of 80% lean ground beef and 20% fat will give you the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you go too lean, your meatloaf may turn out dry.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meat mixture can result in a tough meatloaf. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed, and you'll be left with a tender, juicy loaf.

Experiment with Add-ins: While this recipe is classic, don’t be afraid to customize it. You can add in extras like grated cheese, finely chopped vegetables (like bell peppers or carrots), or even some cooked bacon bits for added flavor.

Let It Rest: Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps keep it juicy and prevents it from falling apart when served.