Description
This Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe combines lean ground beef with Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, and flavorful seasonings, baked to perfection and topped with a tangy sweet glaze. It’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners, delivering a tender and juicy meatloaf with a deliciously caramelized topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Topping
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. Use clean hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until just combined, ensuring even distribution without overworking the meat.
- Shape and Bake: Press the meat mixture firmly into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through gently.
- Prepare the Topping: While baking, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl until smooth and well blended.
- Apply Topping and Increase Heat: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Spread the prepared topping evenly over the surface of the meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze.
- Final Bake: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and the topping is caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender slice. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease during cooking and keep the meatloaf moist yet healthy.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture as it can result in a dense meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- You can swap Italian breadcrumbs for plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning if desired.
- For variation, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the mix for extra nutrition.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent it from crumbling and to retain its juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
