Description
This classic meatloaf recipe delivers a perfectly juicy and tender dish with a crispy top that holds its shape beautifully. Say goodbye to crumbly disasters and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prep Your Aromatics: In a small skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté the finely diced onion until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the best crispy top and sides, free-form the meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, optionally placed on a wire rack.
- Combine Wet Binders: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or beef broth), and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add Dry Binders & Seasoning: Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, black pepper, and any optional dried herbs. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Introduce the Beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Mix Gently: Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Form the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan, shaping it into a compact loaf, approximately 9×5 inches.
- Initial Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Prepare & Apply Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread about two-thirds of the glaze evenly over the top.
- Continue Baking & Glaze Again: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Apply the remaining glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Rest, Rest, Rest!: Once removed from the oven, let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice and serve your perfectly juicy, tender, and non-falling-apart meatloaf with its amazing crispy top!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. Use 80/20 ground beef for the best moisture and flavor balance. Bake on a wire rack for an all-around crispy texture.