Description
Momma’s Meatloaf is a classic, flavorful meatloaf recipe that is easy to prepare and holds together perfectly. Featuring a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze, this dish is baked to juicy perfection and makes a comforting meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 85/15 or leaner preferred
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, 1%, or skim)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced white onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Use clean hands to knead the mixture until just well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches high. Place the shaped loaf in the center of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 45 minutes to start cooking it through evenly.
- Prepare the glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Apply the glaze and increase oven temperature: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully brush the glaze evenly over the top surface.
- Bake with glaze: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and return the meatloaf to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a food thermometer.
- Rest and serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and green peas.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juices and makes slicing easier.
- You can customize the glaze by adding a little mustard or hot sauce for some extra kick.
- Ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork can be used as alternatives to ground beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
