If there's one comfort food that never goes out of style, it's the classic meatloaf. This Traditional Savory Meatloaf is a hearty, satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its blend of rich flavors and a sweet, tangy glaze, it's sure to become a household favorite.
Ground beef: The star of the show, providing the rich, meaty foundation. Aim for an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf, giving it structure without making it dense.
Onion and garlic: They add depth and a savory undertone, ensuring the meatloaf isn’t bland.
Eggs: Essential for binding all the ingredients together, helping the loaf maintain its shape.
Milk: Keeps the meatloaf moist, preventing it from drying out during baking.
Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce: These contribute to the meatloaf's signature savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano: A balanced mix of seasonings that enhances and complements the meat's natural taste.
Fresh parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
Brown sugar and apple cider vinegar (for the glaze): Create a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic meal. For something a bit different, try serving it with roasted root vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. And don’t forget about sandwiches! Leftover meatloaf makes a fantastic sandwich filling with some extra ketchup or mustard.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatloaf will cook evenly once it’s ready to go in. While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and parsley. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You can use your hands for this (it really is the best tool for mixing meatloaf), just make sure they’re clean.
Next, transfer the mixture into a loaf pan. Pat it gently to shape into a loaf. You want it to hold its form but not be too tightly packed, which can make it dense.
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of your meatloaf. This will create a delicious, caramelized topping as it bakes.
Place the loaf in your preheated oven and bake for about an hour. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
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