Description
A tender, juicy meatloaf that stays moist using a milk-soaked bread panade and a savory-sweet brown sugar ketchup glaze. This recipe ensures a perfect texture without being dry or dense.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 2 slices white bread, torn into small pieces
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oil (for sautéing onions, optional)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, tear bread into pieces and pour milk over them. Let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
- Optional: Sauté diced onion in oil until soft, add garlic for 30 seconds, then cool slightly.
- Add ground beef, cooled onion mixture, eggs, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the soaked bread.
- Mix gently with hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to fill corners. Smooth the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- While meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.
- Remove meatloaf from oven, pour glaze over the top, and spread evenly.
- Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Check internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety without drying out the meat. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze raw for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, juicy meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, weeknight dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe