Recipe Overview

Servings

6–8 servings

Prep Time

35 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time

About 1 hour 45 minutes

PART 1 — THE MEATLOAF

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

  • 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Meatloaf Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Meatloaf Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to:

  • 375°F (190°C)

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat a small skillet over medium heat.

Add:

  • A drizzle of oil
  • Diced onion

Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

Let cool slightly before adding to the meat mixture.

This step gives the meatloaf deeper flavor and prevents crunchy onions.

Step 3: Make the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl combine:

  • Ground beef
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Seasonings
  • Parsley
  • Cooked onions and garlic

Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon.

Do NOT overmix or the meatloaf may become dense and tough.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

Shape into a loaf about:

  • 8 inches long
  • 4–5 inches wide

If using a loaf pan, gently press into the pan without packing too tightly.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl mix together:

  • Ketchup
  • Brown sugar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce

Spread half the glaze over the meatloaf.

Reserve the rest for later.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for:

  • 40 minutes

Remove from oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.

Return to oven and bake another:

  • 20–25 minutes

The internal temperature should reach:

  • 160°F (71°C)

Step 7: Rest Before Slicing

Let the meatloaf rest for:

  • 10–15 minutes

This helps keep the juices inside and prevents crumbling.