Description
This Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish made with lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. Topped with a tangy sweet ketchup glaze, it’s baked to perfection for a tender and juicy result, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Topping
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside for assembling the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. Use clean hands to mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture firmly into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the loaf is compact to ensure even cooking.
- Bake Initially: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes to cook it through gently.
- Prepare Topping and Increase Oven Temperature: While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl to create the topping. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
- Apply Topping and Continue Baking: Spread the prepared topping evenly over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, ensuring the meatloaf is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and improves texture. Slice and enjoy your classic meatloaf!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a splash of milk or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Feel free to substitute Italian breadcrumbs with plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning if preferred.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing makes it easier to cut without crumbling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
