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Cozy Meatloaf Recipe with Tangy Ketchup Glaze

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A warm, comforting meatloaf with a sweet-tangy ketchup glaze that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy dinners. This recipe is simple, reliable, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain preferred)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or any dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze and sauce mixture)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until blended.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and the milk-egg mixture. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Smooth the top gently.
  5. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth to make the glaze.
  6. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for juicier results. If the glaze browns too quickly, tent with foil. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, cozy dinner, ketchup glaze, comfort food, easy meatloaf, family meal, weeknight dinner