Classic Tender Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze (Printable format)

Tender seasoned beef loaf baked with a tangy ketchup-brown sugar glaze

# What You Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1 ½ lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend recommended

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Binders & Fillers

04 - ¾ cup breadcrumbs
05 - ⅔ cup whole milk
06 - 2 large eggs

→ Flavorings & Seasoning

07 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 ½ tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp black pepper
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika

→ Glaze

12 - ½ cup ketchup
13 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
14 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
15 - 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
02 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
03 - In a large bowl, mix ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika until just combined. Do not overmix.
04 - Shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 8 x 4 inches and place on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
06 - Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
07 - Bake for 45 minutes until the glaze begins to set and the loaf starts to firm up.
08 - Remove from oven and spread the remaining glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
09 - Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
10 - Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The glaze caramelizes into this incredible sticky sweet topping that makes even skeptical eaters ask for seconds
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better tucked between two slices of bread for lunch the next day
02 -
  • Squeezing the mixture to check texture is weirdly effective it should hold together but still feel somewhat loose
  • The dual glaze application creates those beautiful caramelized edges that make restaurant meatloaf so special
03 -
  • Measuring the internal temperature is the only foolproof way to know when it's done
  • Letting the glaze get slightly browned and bubbly creates those irresistible caramelized spots
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