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Old Fashioned Meatloaf

A timeless comfort food recipe that transforms simple ground beef into a hearty, satisfying meal with perfect seasoning, tender texture from soaked breadcrumbs, and a beautiful glazed exterior.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Servings: 8
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Glaze
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. Let this mixture rest for 5 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix these ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon until well combined.
  3. Add the ground beef to your seasoned mixture and use clean hands to gently combine everything. Avoid overmixing - use gentle folding motions. The mixture should just come together without being compressed.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 9 inches long and 5 inches wide. Don't pack it too tightly - think of gently molding rather than pressing firmly.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard until smooth. Brush half of this glaze over the shaped meatloaf, reserving the rest for later.
  6. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Then brush with the remaining glaze and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Shape the meatloaf the night before and refrigerate covered to improve flavors and save dinnertime prep. Use the free-form method on a baking sheet to allow fat to drain away and create better browning. Don't overmix the meat - use gentle folding motions to avoid tough, dense texture. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 3 months.