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Cozy Classic Meatloaf Recipe Easy Step-by-Step for Beginners

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A warm, comforting, and foolproof classic meatloaf recipe perfect for beginners, using simple pantry staples and a tangy ketchup glaze that makes it irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned; almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (Italian seasoning or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for about 5 minutes until breadcrumbs soften.
  3. Add ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently mix until just combined without overmixing.
  4. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. Press down gently to form a compact shape without packing too tight.
  5. Spread ketchup evenly over the top using a basting brush or back of a spoon.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (160°F/71°C) or cut to ensure no pink remains.
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

If glaze browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Do not skip resting step after baking to keep slices juicy. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense meatloaf. Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is key for moist texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, comfort food, beginner recipe, ground beef meatloaf, ketchup glaze, cozy dinner

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