Description
This Best Classic Meatloaf recipe features a moist and flavorful meatloaf with a comforting, tangy ketchup glaze that’s sure to become a family favorite. Made with lean ground beef combined with oats and onions for texture, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (Ground turkey or pork can also be used)
- 1 cup Quick Cooking Oats (Serves as a gluten-free binder)
- 2 Eggs (Acts as a binder; use flaxseed meal for vegan option)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (Shallots or green onions can be used)
- 1/2 cup Milk (Any plant-based milk can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (Coconut aminos is a gluten-free alternative)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup (BBQ sauce can be used for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Honey or maple syrup can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon Cider Vinegar (Red wine vinegar can be used)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and fitted with a wire rack for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and set aside for glazing the meatloaf.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, quick cooking oats, eggs, finely chopped onion, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, but do not overmix to avoid a tough texture.
- Shape the loaf: Form the meat mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet with the wire rack.
- Apply initial glaze: Spread half of the prepared ketchup glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf to infuse flavor and keep it moist while baking.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Apply remaining glaze and continue baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining glaze evenly on top, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Rest before slicing: Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making slicing easier and the meatloaf juicier.
Notes
- Ground turkey or pork can be substituted for beef for a different flavor or leaner option.
- Quick cooking oats serve as a gluten-free binder; for gluten-free diets, confirm oats are certified gluten-free.
- For a vegan alternative, replace eggs with flaxseed meal and substitute plant-based meat alternatives and milk.
- Worcestershire sauce can be replaced with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- To add smokiness, swap ketchup for BBQ sauce in the glaze.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar in the glaze for a natural sweetness.
- Using a wire rack helps the meatloaf cook evenly and prevents it from sitting in grease.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking ensures easier slicing and juicier results.
