Description
This Hearty Juicy Baked Meatloaf is a classic comfort food made with ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a savory glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Perfectly baked until tender and flavorful, it offers a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and great for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup milk
- 0.5 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Glaze Ingredients
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until just combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet or press it into a greased loaf pan, shaping it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create a flavorful glaze.
- Apply the glaze: Brush the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest before serving: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making it juicier when sliced.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooking.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to retain moisture.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or oats if preferred.
- The glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor, but can be omitted or adjusted to taste.
