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Classic Meatloaf (Comfort)

A juicy Classic Meatloaf topped with a thick, glossy red glaze, with two slices cut and resting on a white plate.
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A simple recipe for classic, oven-baked meatloaf that provides comfort food flavor while using lean ground beef.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 medium onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Meatloaf Sauce: 1/2 cup chili sauce
  • Meatloaf Sauce: 1/2 cup ketchup
  • Meatloaf Sauce: 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
  2. Cook onions in butter in a small pan over medium low heat until tender. Cool the onions completely.
  3. Combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs in a medium bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef, cooked onions, 1 Tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
  5. Form one 8″x4″ loaf on the prepared baking pan and bake for 40 minutes.
  6. While the meatloaf cooks, combine the chili sauce and ketchup (and brown sugar if using) to make the Meatloaf Sauce.
  7. Spread the sauce over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes if you want a browned top.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before you slice and serve it.

Notes

  • Chili sauce is not spicy; it tastes like zesty ketchup with more tang. If you do not have chili sauce, use extra ketchup or a bit of BBQ sauce.
  • You can add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
  • Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense meatloaf.
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for good flavor without excess grease.
  • Baking the meatloaf on a baking pan instead of a loaf pan allows drippings to escape and forms a nice crust.
  • Rest the meatloaf after baking to help redistribute the juices so it does not fall apart when you slice it.

Nutrition

Keywords: Meatloaf, Classic Dinner, Oven Baked, Family Favorite, Comfort Food, Lean Beef, Ground Beef Recipe

Find it online: https://www.meltitclean.com/classic-meatloaf-comfort-tips/