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A juicy, tender meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re seeking healthy dinner ideas, cheap dinners for a family, or easy weeknight dinners, this classic brings everyone to the table. Get ready for a savory, moist Homemade Meatloaf packed with flavor and minimal fuss. Let’s make tonight’s supper special!
Table of Contents
Ingredient List
Before you begin, gather these kitchen essentials (find recommended options below!):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef, 85% or 80% lean | 2 lbs |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium (1 cup) |
| Olive oil | 1 tsp Olive Oil |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Ketchup | 2 Tbsp |
| Fresh parsley, finely chopped | 3 Tbsp |
| Panko breadcrumbs or GF crumbs | 3/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/3 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp Salt |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp Italian Seasoning |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Meatloaf Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 3/4 cup |
| White vinegar | 1 1/2 tsp White Vinegar |
| Brown sugar | 2 Tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Chop onion and set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and onion, sauté 5-7 minutes until golden. Let cool.
Mix Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooled onion, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined (use disposable gloves for easy handling).
Shape and Bake
- Shape the mixture into an 8-inch long, 4-inch wide, and 3-inch tall loaf on your lined baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add Glaze and Finish Baking
- Spread glaze over meatloaf, return to oven, bake an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160˚F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Helpful Tips
- For extra moist meatloaf, do not overmix the ingredients.
- Use a cutting board and sturdy chef’s knife for easy slicing.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs as needed.
- Prep your ingredients with a good set of measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Bake using sturdy baking sheets for even results.
Equipment List
- Air Fryer: Buy now
- Thermomix: Buy now
- Oven: Buy now
- Electric Mixer: Buy now
- Food Processor: Buy now
- Pots: Buy now
- Frying Pans: Buy now
- Kitchen Utensils: Buy now
- Cutting Board: Buy now
- Chef’s Knives: Buy now
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set: Buy now
- Mixing Bowls: Buy now
- Blender: Buy now
- Baking Sheets: Buy now
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Buy now
FAQ – Homemade Meatloaf
Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely. Shape and prep up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake fresh.
Does meatloaf freeze well?
Yes! Wrap tightly in foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
How do I ensure meatloaf stays moist?
Avoid overmixing, add enough milk and eggs, and let it rest before slicing.
Can I add veggies?
Finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers work great. Sauté with onions before mixing in.
Best kitchen equipment for successful meatloaf?
Quality baking sheets, sturdy chef’s knives, and an instant-read thermometer are essentials!
Dinner Meatloaf Recipe for Easy Family Meals : Ready in 1 Hour!
A classic, juicy Homemade Meatloaf with savory glaze ideal for easy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 80% lean
1 med onion (1 cup), finely chopped
1 tsp olive oil
2 large eggs
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp ketchup
3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs, or gluten-free bread crumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Meatloaf Sauce:
3/4 cup ketchup
1 ½ tsp white vinegar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden. Cool.
3. In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper.
4. Shape into loaf (8x4x3 inches) on prepared sheet. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 min.
5. Mix sauce ingredients in bowl. Spread over meatloaf. Bake 20 min more, until internal temp reaches 160°F.
6. Rest 10-15 min before slicing. Serve.
Notes
Do not overmix meatloaf mixture to avoid dryness.
Let meatloaf rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Freeze leftovers wrapped in foil for up to 3 months.
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