Description
This classic one pound meatloaf recipe delivers a flavorful and moist meatloaf, combining ground beef with a savory blend of herbs, garlic, and a sweet tangy glaze. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and baked to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking during baking.
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften and incorporate moisture into the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape and Place in Pan: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Prepare Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to make a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Apply Initial Glaze: Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of baking, spread the remaining glaze on top to create a flavorful crust.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf, ensuring it reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf moist and easier to slice.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a substitute for the glaze and mixture.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs if available, adjusting quantities accordingly.
