Description

A juicy, tender meatloaf recipe that avoids dryness by using a milk-soaked breadcrumb panade and 80/20 ground beef. It features a classic ketchup-brown sugar glaze and is ready in under an hour of active time.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion with a pinch of salt for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic in the last 30 seconds. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
Add the cooled onion-garlic mixture, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
Add ground beef last. Gently mix with hands or a fork until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to fill corners. Bake for 45 minutes.
While meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Spread glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C).
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for moisture; lean beef will result in a dry loaf. Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes is crucial to retain juices. The glaze should be added halfway through baking to prevent burning.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 650
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 1
Protein: 35

Keywords: meatloaf, easy dinner, weeknight meals, juicy meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipes, family dinner