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Momma’s Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

Classic homemade meatloaf featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef, herbs, and spices, baked to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy ketchup-brown sugar topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 or leaner preferred)
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 1 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, 1%, or skim)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently knead the mixture with clean hands until all ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape roughly 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches high. Place it centered in the prepared baking dish for even cooking.
  4. Bake Initially: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to allow it to cook through.
  5. Make the Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
  6. Apply Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully brush the prepared glaze evenly over its top surface.
  7. Finish Baking: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring food safety.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (85/15 or leaner) for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense meatloaf.
  • Check the meatloaf’s internal temperature with a food thermometer for accuracy and safety.
  • Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain moisture and improves texture.
  • You can substitute plain bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, family dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/mommas-meatloaf-recipe/