Description
A classic and comforting meatloaf recipe, perfect for a family dinner. This recipe features a savory beef mixture topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper (if using), minced garlic, fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet or into the loaf pan.
- For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf registers 160°F (71°C). If using a loaf pan, you might want to drain some fat halfway through.
- During the last 15-20 minutes of baking, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender meatloaf.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can lead to a tough texture.
- Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for a tender and juicy result.
- For a slightly firmer meatloaf, you can bake it for a bit longer, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).