This Easy Meatloaf Recipe is a comfort food classic. It’s juicy, flavorful, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings, it’s the perfect meal for cozy family dinners. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a truly satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for 5 minutes to ensure a moist meatloaf.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
3. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatloaf may turn out tough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

1. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet.
2. Smooth the top and bake for 35 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. While the meatloaf is baking, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
2. After 35 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze on top.

Step 5: Finish Baking

Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps keep it juicy.
2. Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Step 4: Make the Glaze While the meatloaf is baking, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. After 35 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze on top.  

Step 5: Finish Baking. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until tje internal temperature reaches 160 ° F (71 ° C). Step 

6: Rest and Serve. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing– this helps keep it juicy. Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.