Meal Prep · American
Classic American Meatloaf
A quintessential American comfort food, this hearty meatloaf is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Tap to check offMethod
Step-by-step- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a tough meatloaf.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared loaf pan or directly onto the lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard (if using) to create the glaze. Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and return it to the oven.
- Continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Storage & Freezer Guide
Make it last Refrigerator 3-4 days
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s excellent for sandwiches or quick reheated meals.
Freezer Up to 3 months
Allow meatloaf to cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the whole cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat Oven/Microwave
For individual slices, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. For a larger portion or whole loaf, place in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, for 20-40 minutes, or until heated through.
Chef’s Corner
- To prevent a dry meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
- For extra moisture and flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of beef broth to the mix.
- Always let your meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and juicy slice.
