Homemade Classic Meatloaf
Easy homemade meatloaf recipe with tender crumb and caramelized glaze. Perfect comfort food dinner ready in 80 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- 2
Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl, stirring until the breadcrumbs are fully moistened and resemble wet sand, about 1 minute.
- 3
Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl and gently break it apart with your fingers without pressing or kneading the meat.
- 4
Add the soaked breadcrumb mixture, eggs, diced onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- 5
Fold the ingredients together with your hands using a gentle pressing motion until just combined, about 15-20 seconds; avoid overmixing as this will create a dense, tough loaf.
- 6
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking sheet and gently shape it into a compact loaf approximately 8 inches long and 5 inches wide with your hands.
- 7
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
- 8
While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- 9
Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 40 minutes and spread the glaze evenly over the top surface using a pastry brush or spoon.
- 10
Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and sticky, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
- 11
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before slicing; this resting period helps retain the juices.
- 12
Slice the meatloaf into 1-inch thick portions using a sharp knife and serve warm with your choice of sides.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ground beef | ground beef and ground pork blend (1.5 lbs beef + 0.5 lbs pork) | A beef and pork combination adds richness and improves moisture retention while reducing the density of an all-beef loaf |
| breadcrumbs | rolled oats (1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, pulsed in a food processor) | Oats provide fiber, promote better digestion, and create an equally moist crumb structure while adding nutritional value |
| whole milk | low-fat Greek yogurt (1/4 cup) | Greek yogurt delivers probiotics for gut health and protein while maintaining the moisture that keeps meatloaf tender |
| ketchup and brown sugar glaze (combined 3/4 cup sugar content) | tomato paste-based glaze with 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar | This substitution reduces refined sugar by half while adding complex depth from balsamic vinegar and the natural antioxidants in maple syrup |
| 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese plus 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar | Mixing cheeses reduces sodium intake while maintaining savory umami depth and preventing any single flavor from dominating |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 6)
| Calories | 355 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 108mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 40g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
