Print

Cozy Classic Meatloaf Recipe Easy Tender Juicy Perfection

classic meatloaf recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A tender, juicy meatloaf with a perfect balance of flavors and moisture, featuring a homemade ketchup glaze and a mix of ground beef and pork for optimal juiciness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
  3. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Optionally, lightly sauté the onion in olive oil to soften the flavor.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture into an 8×4-inch loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press gently to even out the surface without compacting.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake on the middle rack for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if the glaze browns too quickly.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice thick and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Soak breadcrumbs in milk to keep meatloaf moist. Mix meat gently to avoid dense texture. Rest meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Tent with foil if glaze browns too fast. Use instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, juicy meatloaf, easy meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef, ground pork, homemade glaze

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/cozy-classic-meatloaf-recipe-easy-tender-juicy-perfection/