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The Classic Meatloaf Recipe

The Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy and Full of Flavor

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is juicy, packed with flavor, and features healthier ingredients while maintaining traditional taste.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Loaf
  • 2 lbs Ground Beef (80-85% lean) can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped or shallots for milder flavor
  • 2 large Eggs binds the ingredients
  • 3/4 cup Milk almond or low-fat alternatives work
  • 3/4 cup Breadcrumbs, preferably Panko can use crushed pork rinds for keto
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced or garlic powder as backup
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup plus 1/2 cup for glaze
  • 2 tbsp Parsley, fresh and finely chopped optional
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce soy sauce can substitute
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning or mixed dried herbs
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup can use sugar-free alternative
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar omit for low-carb version
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar balsamic vinegar is a substitute
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or onion powder

Equipment

  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • mixing bowl
  • Oven
  • Whisk
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, ketchup, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a compact loaf.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of onion powder. Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 15 to 30 minutes.
  6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For added joy, try different glazes! You can also sneak in finely grated veggies like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.

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