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Tender And Flavorful Meatloaf

Updated: Jul 29


Sliced tender meatloaf glazed with a tangy homemade sauce, served on a platter


 


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Tender & Flavorful Meatloaf


A classic, comforting meatloaf made with real ingredients and a tangy homemade glaze — no canned soup shortcuts here.


Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 60 minutes

Servings: 6


Ingredients


For the Meatloaf

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 lb ground beef (80/20)

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ tsp dried thyme


For the Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar


Instructions


Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.


Sauté the Aromatics

Warm the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.


Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme with the cooled onion mixture. Mix gently with your hands just until combined — overmixing will make the loaf dense.


Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan or baking sheet and shape into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide. Smooth the top and sides evenly.


Make the Glaze

Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.


First Bake

Spread half the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf. Bake for 35 minutes.


Glaze & Finish Baking

Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, about 20–25 more minutes.


Rest Before Slicing

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this keeps it juicy and helps it hold together.


Notes

For extra-moist meatloaf, avoid overmixing and let it rest fully before cutting. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.



 
 
 

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