A classic meatloaf recipe just like mom used to make, with an amazing glaze that everyone will love. This budget friendly dish is super easy and the oven will do all the work for you!
Do you remember those days growing up when mom would say “we’re having meatloaf for dinner”? Although I liked it as a kid, I find that I love it much more as an adult! A perfectly juicy and flavorful meatloaf with a super easy homemade glaze is what you’ll get with this recipe. No more dry and tasteless meatloaf coming out of your oven!
How To Make The Perfect Meatloaf
You want your meatloaf to be both juicy and packed with flavor, and a few simple tricks makes this stand out from the rest
- We use Panko bread crumbs mixed with milk and eggs. Just mix them together in a large bowl and allow the Panko to soak up the eggs and milk. This will result in needed moisture for the meatloaf.
- Don’t overmix! Overmixing will result in a tough and dry texture. Just as with many other ground beef recipes (such a meatballs), you want to mix all the ingredients until just combined.
- Keep it all together! Too much liquid can cause your meatloaf to fall apart, and the same goes for not allowing it to rest. We have the perfect ratio of liquid to bread crumbs here for you, but you’ll also want to allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes when it’s done baking.
How Do I Bake A Meatloaf?
There are two ways to make a great meatloaf, on a baking pan or in a loaf pan. I like the slightly crispy edges so I prefer a baking pan. Prepare your baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and a slight spray of cooking oil. Place the meat mixture on the foil and shape into a loaf approximately 8-9 inches long by 4-5 inches wide. For 2 pounds of ground beef you’ll want to allow the meatloaf to bake a total time of about 55 minutes, or until it reaches 160 degrees. Remember that the color of the meatloaf will not tell you if it’s done.
Can You Freeze Meatloaf?
This is a perfect dish for freezing. Simply prepare per instructions then cover tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil then freeze. To defrost, take it from the freezer the night before and set in your refrigerator. Allow it to thaw completely and continue with baking instructions. Your meatloaf will stay freezer safe for 3-4 months.
More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
Italian Slow Cooker Meatballs – is one of our absolute favorites!
Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup – pack with flavor!
Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni – we love this on a busy weeknight!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground bef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking tray with foil, then spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine eggs, milk, and Panko bread crumbs and allow to sit for about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning,a nd salt to the egg & milk mixture. Knead ingredients together and mix until just combined.
- Form an 8x4 loaf on your prepared baking pan and bake for 40 minutes.
- Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread the mixture over top of the meatloaf, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 160 degrees.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
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