🥩 Juicy Homemade Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 2 lb (900 g) ground beef, preferably 80–85% lean
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the onion and garlic
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. For an especially tender meatloaf, sauté the onion in a little oil over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Let them cool slightly.
3. Make the breadcrumb mixture
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 2–3 minutes. This creates a soft mixture that helps keep the meatloaf moist instead of dry.
4. Add the remaining ingredients
Add the ground beef, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, parsley, and cooled onion and garlic.
5. Mix gently
Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything until just combined. Do not overmix, because working the meat too much can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
6. Shape the meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan and gently shape it into a loaf. You can also form it directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, which allows more of the glaze to caramelize around the edges.
7. Prepare the glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard until smooth.
8. Add the first layer of glaze
Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Keep the remaining glaze for later.
9. Bake
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
10. Add more glaze
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
11. Finish baking
Return it to the oven and continue baking for approximately 15–25 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
12. Let it rest
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This is important because it allows the juices to redistribute and helps the slices stay together.
13. Slice and serve
Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, corn, or a simple salad.
⭐ Tips for Extra-Juicy Meatloaf
- Use 80–85% lean ground beef rather than very lean beef. The little bit of fat keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing them into the meat.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking.
- If you want an even richer flavor, add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- A meat thermometer is the easiest way to avoid overcooking.
⏱️ Approximate Timing
- Preparation: 15–20 minutes
- Baking: 60–70 minutes
- Resting: 10–15 minutes
- Total: about 1½ hours
Result: tender, juicy ground beef with a flavorful, slightly sweet and tangy glaze on top — classic homemade comfort food.
