Description
Classic Meatloaf with a sweet and savory glaze, combining ground beef with aromatic vegetables and herbs, baked to perfection for a tender, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Ground beef (Choose a blend with some fat for moisture.)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Helps bind the meatloaf together.)
- 0.5 cup Milk (Adds moisture for a tender meatloaf.)
- 0.5 cup Onion, finely chopped (Provides sweet and savory flavor.)
- 0.5 cup Green bell pepper, finely chopped (Adds crunch and color.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Brings aroma and depth of flavor.)
- 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder.)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (Adds rich umami flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances overall flavor.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (Adds subtle heat.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Brings earthy flavor.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano (Adds Mediterranean flavor.)
Glaze Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Ketchup (Base of the glaze, providing sweetness.)
- 0.25 cup Brown sugar (Adds rich sweetness.)
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar (Adds tanginess.)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard (Gives a slight sharpness.)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Prepare Vegetables and Garlic: Finely chop the onion and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves to integrate flavor throughout the meatloaf.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet for baking.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Set aside half for later use.
- Apply Initial Glaze: Brush the formed meatloaf with the remaining half of the glaze to add flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Halfway through baking, brush with the reserved glaze to enhance the sweet and savory coating. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making slicing easier and the meat juicy. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain juiciness and texture.
- For extra moisture, choose ground beef with about 15-20% fat content.
- The glaze can be customized with a bit of hot sauce or smoked paprika for variation.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or oats for different textures.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Classic Meatloaf, Meatloaf Recipe, Sweet and Savory Glaze, Ground Beef Meatloaf, Comfort Food
