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Chef Ava

Classic Meatloaf Dinner

This classic meatloaf dinner is tender, deeply savory, and finished with a sweet caramelized ketchup glaze. Made with 80/20 ground beef, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and simple seasonings, it is served with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans with bacon, and buttered corn for a timeless American comfort food meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ketchup, plus extra for glazing
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • creamy mashed potatoes, for serving
  • gravy, for serving
  • green beans with bacon, for serving
  • buttered corn, for serving

Equipment

  • standard loaf pan
  • large mixing bowl
  • large fork Optional for gently mixing the meatloaf.
  • meat thermometer Use to verify the center reaches 160°F.
  • baking dish Alternative to a loaf pan.

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan or baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Gently mix with clean hands or a large fork until just evenly combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape into a compact, even loaf.
  5. Spread a thin even layer of ketchup over the entire top surface of the meatloaf.
  6. Bake for 50–60 minutes until the center reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
  7. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
  8. Slice and serve warm alongside creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans with bacon, and buttered corn.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for the most moist and flavorful meatloaf. Mix the ingredients only until just combined to avoid a dense texture, finely chop the onion, and use a meat thermometer to verify the center reaches 160°F. Apply the ketchup glaze evenly and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.