Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Recipe
This classic Meatloaf recipe combines juicy ground beef with flavorful seasonings, fresh parsley, and a tangy homemade sauce for the perfect comfort food meal. Moist and tender with a savory glaze, this meatloaf is easy to prepare and ideal for a hearty family dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 80% lean
- 1 medium onion, (about 1 cup), finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs, or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Sauce:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the onion: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions, minced garlic, eggs, ketchup, fresh parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly but gently to avoid compacting the meat.
- Form the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a baking pan or loaf pan and shape into a loaf approximately 8 by 4 inches. Press down lightly to form an even shape.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Apply sauce and bake: Brush the meatloaf generously with the prepared sauce. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf uncovered for 1 hour or until an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.
Notes
- Using 80-85% lean beef balances flavor and moisture well; leaner beef may result in a drier meatloaf.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing for the best texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Make sure not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- The sauce adds a flavorful glaze, but you can adjust the sweetness or acidity by varying brown sugar or vinegar amounts.
Keywords: meatloaf, ground beef meatloaf, classic meatloaf, comfort food, baked meatloaf