Meatloaf 101

Discover the timeless comfort of homemade meatloaf with our "Meatloaf 101" recipe—a classic dish that's hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Featuring a perfectly balanced blend of 80% lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, and creamy milk, this recipe creates a moist and tender loaf every time. The addition of finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce infuses each bite with rich, savory goodness, while a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze made with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar takes this dish to the next level. Ready in just over an hour, this easy meatloaf recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Serve it warm alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or crisp green beans for a meal that's as comforting as it is satisfying. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, "Meatloaf 101" is the ultimate guide for creating this all-American favorite from scratch!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 0.5 cup Ketchup
• 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Dried parsley (optional)
• 0.25 cup Ketchup (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soak in the milk.

Step 3

Add the ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley (if using) to the bowl. Mix everything together gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 4

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet, or press it evenly into a loaf pan.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 6

Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.

Step 7

Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.

Step 8

Slice and serve warm. Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1603.9 grams (1603.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3274

Total Fat 201.20g	258%
Saturated Fat 77.00g	385%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 1009mg	336%
Sodium 6488mg	282%
Total Carbohydrate 167.30g	61%
Dietary Fiber 7.30g	26%
Total Sugars 68.50g
Protein 183.90g	368%

Vitamin D 192IU	960%
Calcium 496mg	38%
Iron 25mg	136%
Potassium 3278mg	70%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.3%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 20.8%