Classic Comfort Meatloaf
A moist and flavorful classic meatloaf topped with a tangy glaze. The ultimate comfort food dinner.
Details
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (85/15)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 cup Ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp Mustard (for glaze)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2
Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
- 3
Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Mix beef, soaked crumbs, onion, eggs, Worcestershire, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper gently.
- 5
Form into a loaf on a lined baking sheet.
- 6
Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush half over loaf.
- 7
Bake for 45 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze.
- 8
Bake another 15 minutes until internal temp reaches 160°F.
- 9
Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
About This Recipe
A cornerstone of American home cooking, Classic Comfort Meatloaf offers a heartwarming blend of savory flavors and a tender, satisfying texture. While its humble origins trace back to resourceful European meat pâtés, meatloaf truly found its stride in American kitchens, particularly during the Great Depression, as an ingenious way to transform ground meat into a substantial, economical family meal. What elevates this particular rendition is the thoughtful balance of ingredients: the richness of 85/15 ground beef, the binding and tenderizing action of breadcrumbs and milk, and the aromatic depth provided by finely chopped onion, garlic, and thyme. A crucial element is the signature tangy glaze—a sweet-savory concoction of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard that caramelizes beautifully during baking, sealing in moisture and imparting a vibrant, irresistible finish. The key to a tender meatloaf lies in gentle handling; overmixing can lead to a tough, dense loaf. Common variations might include adding finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the mix, or experimenting with different glazes like a smoky BBQ sauce. This quintessential comfort food is best served alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the juices and a vibrant green vegetable for balance.
Tips & Tricks
- • To ensure your meatloaf remains tender and doesn't become dense, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the meat mixture develops proteins, which can result in a tough texture.
- • For an extra layer of savory depth and moisture, consider folding in a quarter cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese or a tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley into the meat mixture before forming the loaf.
- • Meatloaf is an excellent make-ahead meal; you can assemble the entire loaf up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
- • Elevate your serving by presenting slices of meatloaf atop a generous dollop of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, allowing the sweet-tangy glaze to meld with the potato, and alongside a crisp, green salad or roasted asparagus.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)