Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Meatloaf is a comforting classic, a hearty dish that evokes memories of home-cooked meals. This recipe focuses on a simple yet flavorful meatloaf, topped with a tangy-sweet ketchup glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for moisture)
1 cup Bread Crumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
1/2 cup Milk
1 large Egg, beaten
1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 cup Ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Ketchup Glaze:

1/2 cup Ketchup
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (optional, for tang)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the bread crumb mixture: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the bread crumbs. This helps create a more tender meatloaf.
Combine the meatloaf ingredients: Add the ground beef, beaten egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the bread crumb mixture.
Mix gently: Use your hands (or a spatula) to gently mix all the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. Combine until just incorporated.
Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches). Gently shape it into an even loaf. You can also free-form the meatloaf on a baking sheet if you prefer.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar (if using) for the glaze.
Glaze the meatloaf: Spread half of the ketchup glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Add the final glaze: During the last 10-15 minutes of baking, spread the remaining ketchup glaze over the meatloaf. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and become nicely sticky.
Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Tips and Variations:

Add vegetables: You can add finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Use different meats: Substitute some of the ground beef with ground pork or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
Serve it with: Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad are classic accompaniments to meatloaf.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting homemade meatloaf!