Classic Meatloaf Recipe

I’m excited to share my Classic Meatloaf Recipe that brings together ground beef and pork with eggs, breadcrumbs and whole milk. A mix of finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and a touch of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce creates an enticing dish that truly captures my passion for hearty home cooking.

I’ve always been on the lookout for that perfect meatloaf recipe that combine flavor and simplicity, and this classic meatloaf did exactly that for me. I mixed 1.5 lbs of ground beef with 0.5 lb of ground pork to create a depth of flavor that you cant get any other way.

I also added 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, and 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs soaked in 1/2 cup whole milk. The finely chopped small onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic gave an aroma that fills any kitchen without being too overpowering.

A splash of Worcestershire sauce along with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper really rounded things out. The secret is in the glaze – a blend of ketchup, brown sugar and yellow mustard – that ties every bite together.

It reminded me of some of the best meatloaf recipes I’ve ever had, and I hope you find it just as irresistible.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this meatloaf recipe for a few reasons. First, I love the mix of ground beef and pork with the milk and eggs because it always turns out moist and packed with flavor even if I sometimes end up overmixing a little bit. Second, the glaze is just perfect; I really like how the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard come together to give it that sweet and tangy bite that makes every piece special. Third, I appreciate how simple the recipe is to put together. It doesn’t have a bunch of complicated steps so I can just mix it all up and pop it in the oven, which is perfect on busy nights. And lastly, there’s something really comforting about making classic meatloaf that reminds me of home cooked meals from my childhood.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: adds plenty of protein, flavor, and healthy fats for a rich, meaty base.
• Ground pork: keeps the meatloaf moist, offers extra protein, and gives a tasty twist.
• Eggs: helps bind the mix together, adds essential protein and a bit of creaminess.
• Breadcrumbs: provide carbs and texture that help absorb the juices for a perfect crumb.
• Onion: brings a natural sweetness and a bit of fiber which makes it heartier.
• Garlic: adds a lively, tangy kick and is loaded with antioxidants and flavor.
• Ketchup: gives that sweet and sour taste, balancing richness with a tangy zing.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground pork
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup ketchup (divided, some for mixing and some for the glaze)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the glaze: 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp yellow mustard

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, add
1.5 lbs ground beef, 0.5 lb ground pork, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup whole milk.

3. Mix in one small finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

4. Use your hands to mix everything until just combined but don’t overmix or it might get too dense.

5. Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan and shape it evenly.

6. In a separate small bowl, combine the glaze ingredients: 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp yellow mustard.

7. Spoon or brush a generous amount of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

8. Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes.

9. After 50 minutes, brush a little more glaze on top and bake for another 10 minutes to let the glaze set.

10. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven set at 350°F
2. Loaf pan (lightly greased)
3. Large bowl for mixing meat and ingredients
4. Small bowl for combining glaze ingredients
5. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements
6. Knife and cutting board to chop the onion and mince garlic
7. Pastry brush or spoon to apply the glaze evenly
8. Timer to keep track of baking times

FAQ

Classic Meatloaf Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground pork: Try using lean ground turkey or simply increase the ground beef. The taste won’t deviate too much and it can be a bit healthier too.
• Whole milk: You can swap whole milk with 2% milk, or if you need a dairy free option, almond or oat milk works pretty well.
• Plain breadcrumbs: If you dont have any, you can toss some dried bread in a food processor until it gets crumbly or even use crushed crackers for that mix.
• Worcestershire sauce: In case you dont have this on hand, a mix of a bit soy sauce and a touch of vinegar can replace it, giving a similar savory kick.
• Ketchup (for mixing): If youre short, try using tomato sauce with a splash of sugar and salt to make it work in the meat and for the glaze.

Pro Tips

1. Try to keep your meat and other ingredients super cold before mixing them together. This helps the loaf keep a nice shape and not turn into a mush when you bake it.
2. Be gentle when you mix everything up. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so mix until just combined and then stop.
3. If you like a little extra flavor, toss in a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil. It can give your meatloaf a nice twist without changing the classic taste.
4. Don’t be shy with the glaze. Brushing a little extra about halfway through baking can really boost the flavor and give it a sweet, caramelized top.