A little adventure for your everyday table
United States · Homemade, your way

Classic Meatloaf

Make a tender beef meatloaf with a tangy ketchup glaze, finely chopped onion, and milk-soaked breadcrumbs for a familiar family dinner.

Prep time
20 min
Cook time
1 hr
Total time
1 hr 30 min
Servings
6
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Family FriendlyMake Ahead
Meatloaf made with ground beef, onion and a tomato-based sauce.
Photo: Roundhere44 · Source · CC0. Serving suggestion.

Soaking breadcrumbs before mixing helps the meatloaf stay tender and slice neatly. Shape it on a rimmed baking sheet so the glaze covers more surface and excess fat can drain away. Mix gently with your hands or a fork; packing the beef tightly makes the texture dense. A thermometer determines when the center is ready.

Let’s make it

Classic Meatloaf

Serves 6 · Prep 20 min · Cook 1 hr · Rest 10 min · Total 1 hr 30 min

Ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl; let soak for 5 minutes while chopping the onion.
  2. Add beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons ketchup. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  3. Shape into a 9-by-5-inch (23-by-13 cm) loaf. Mix remaining ketchup with brown sugar and vinegar; spread half over the loaf.
  4. Bake for 40 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze and bake 15 to 20 minutes longer, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. Rest for 10 minutes. Transfer carefully to a board and cut into six thick slices.

A few kitchen notes

  • Insert the thermometer from the side to reach the center.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Replace milk with unsweetened oat milk in the same volume.

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours for 3 days. Reheat slices, covered, to 165°F (74°C). Freeze for up to 2 months.

What to serve with it

Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.

A conversation around the table

Comments & kitchen questions

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Questions from the kitchen

Can I make Classic Meatloaf ahead?

Refrigerate within 2 hours for 3 days. Reheat slices, covered, to 165°F (74°C). Freeze for up to 2 months.

What if I can’t find an ingredient?

Replace milk with unsweetened oat milk in the same volume.