🍽️ Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Nothing says comfort food like a slice of classic homemade meatloaf served with creamy mashed potatoes and tender green beans. This old-fashioned family favorite is juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s the kind of meal that brings back childhood memories and tastes even better the next day!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the top.
8. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.

💡 Tips

• Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for extra juicy flavor.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture, or the meatloaf may become dense.
• Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8