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Meatloaf

Meatloaf

Updated March 22, 2026

Ground beef meatloaf with milk-soaked breadcrumbs and tangy ketchup glaze, moist and easy to slice.

A sheet pan loaf browns more and creates firmer edges. A loaf pan version stays moister. For deeper flavor, sauté onion and garlic briefly before mixing.

For a smokier glaze, substitute half the ketchup with BBQ sauce. Can be assembled and shaped up to 4 hours ahead; refrigerate covered, then bring to room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

Cook time
1 hr 15 min
Rating
…

Ingredients

Scale
Measurement units
  • 2 lb ground beef 85 percent lean
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 whole egg
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 2 clove garlic cloves
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat the oven
Heat to 350 degrees.
Equipment: oven
Soak the breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs (1 cup) and milk (¾ cup).
Let sit until fully softened.
Equipment: small bowl
Combine the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef 85 percent lean (2 lb), softened breadcrumb mixture, egg (1 whole), diced onion (½ cup), garlic cloves (2 clove), salt (1 ½ tsp), black pepper (½ tsp), Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp), and ketchup (2 tbsp).
Equipment: large mixing bowl
Mix gently
Fold ingredients together with hands or spatula until just combined.
Do not knead or overwork.
Equipment: large mixing bowl
Shape the loaf
Transfer mixture to a loaf pan or shape by hand on a parchment lined sheet pan into a tight rectangle.
Equipment: loaf pan or parchment lined sheet pan
Make the glaze
Whisk ketchup (½ cup), brown sugar (1 tbsp), and apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp).
Spread half on top of the loaf.
Equipment: whisk
Bake until done
Bake until internal temperature reads 160 degrees.
Spread remaining glaze over loaf during final 10 minutes.
Equipment: oven, loaf pan or parchment lined sheet pan
Rest and serve
Let rest before slicing.
Serve warm.

Tomorrow's Meal

Meatloaf Banh Mi Sandwiches

Cold meatloaf sliced thin, layered into crusty rolls with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spicy mayo for Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches

You'll need to pick up:

Crusty baguette or rollsQuick pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon, or cucumber)Fresh cilantro and jalapeño slicesMayonnaise mixed with sriracha

Quick overview:

  1. 1.Slice cold meatloaf into 1/4-inch thick slices
  2. 2.Split and lightly toast baguette or rolls
  3. 3.Spread spicy mayo on both sides of bread
  4. 4.Layer meatloaf slices, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeño
  5. 5.Press sandwich together and slice in half

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