Classic Meatloaf
This classic meatloaf recipe is juicy and full of flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and brings back cozy childhood memories.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground beef (80/20) You can also mix with ground pork.
- 1 cup Bread crumbs Or crushed crackers.
- 2 large Eggs Act as a binder.
- ½ cup Milk Keeps the loaf moist.
- ½ cup Ketchup For flavor and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Essential for flavor.
- 1 medium Chopped onion Provides sweetness.
- 2 cloves Fresh garlic, minced Or jarred if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper To taste.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs Optional, if available.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix with your hands until everything is blended, but be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense texture.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Optionally, add more ketchup on top halfway through baking for extra flavor.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest on the counter for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.
Notes
Don’t skip letting it rest before slicing. You can add grated carrot for moisture or substitute with ground turkey if desired.