Classic Homestyle Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Introduction

Few dishes evoke the warmth of family dinners and the essence of comfort food quite like meatloaf. This Classic Homestyle Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze is a timeless recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Made with seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a rich ketchup glaze, this dish is both nostalgic and delicious.

The glaze adds a tangy-sweet finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the loaf itself stays juicy and tender. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the definition of comfort and tradition. It’s a recipe that never fails to remind me of Sunday dinners around the table. The beef is perfectly seasoned, the texture is hearty without being dry, and the ketchup glaze brings everything together with a glossy, flavorful finish.

Another reason I love this recipe is its versatility—you can enjoy it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even slice it up for the best next-day meatloaf sandwiches. It’s the kind of dish that stretches a pound or two of ground beef into a meal that feeds the whole family.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
• The ingredients are pantry staples and budget-friendly.
• The ketchup glaze caramelizes into a mouthwatering finish.
• It’s perfect for meal prep, storing, and reheating.
• It’s a true crowd-pleaser, from kids to adults.

If you’ve never made a homemade meatloaf, this recipe will show you why it’s one of the most beloved dishes in American home cooking.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6–8 slices
• Calories (per serving): ~350–400 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Ketchup Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Soak the breadcrumbs:
   • In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften.
3. Prepare the meat mixture:
   • Add ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.
   • Gently mix with your hands until just combined (avoid overmixing, which makes meatloaf dense).
4. Shape the loaf:
   • Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan (or shape freehand on a lined baking sheet). Smooth the top.
5. Prepare the glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using).
6. Add glaze and bake:
   • Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
   • Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze on top, and return to bake for another 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest before slicing:
   • Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to hold its shape.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, sliced thick, with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a fresh salad for balance.
• Leftover slices make amazing meatloaf sandwiches the next day with some extra ketchup or BBQ sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture—it makes the loaf tough.
• Letting the loaf rest ensures clean slices and juicier texture.
• Double the glaze if you love extra sauciness.

Variations

• Cheesy Meatloaf: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
• Italian-Style Meatloaf: Use Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce instead of ketchup glaze.
• BBQ Meatloaf: Swap ketchup glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Vegetable-Boosted: Add grated carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrition and moisture.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezer (uncooked): Wrap shaped, raw meatloaf tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Freezer (cooked): Freeze cooled slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in oven or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Whisk (for glaze)
• Meat thermometer (to ensure doneness)

Conclusion

Classic Homestyle Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze is the ultimate comfort food—easy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. With its tender beef mixture and tangy-sweet glaze, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether served hot with mashed potatoes or enjoyed as next-day sandwiches, this dish proves why meatloaf remains a beloved classic in American homes.

Once you try this recipe, it will become a regular star at your dinner table.

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Classic Homestyle Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Meat

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Calories: 350–400 kcal per serving

Description

Few dishes evoke the warmth of family dinners and the essence of comfort food quite like meatloaf. This Classic Homestyle Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze is a timeless recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Ketchup Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Soak the breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften.
3. Prepare the meat mixture: Add ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently mix with your hands until just combined (avoid overmixing, which makes meatloaf dense).
4. Shape the loaf: Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan (or shape freehand on a lined baking sheet). Smooth the top.
5. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using).
6. Add glaze and bake: Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze on top, and return to bake for another 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest before slicing: Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to hold its shape.

Keywords: Classic Homestyle Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze