Description
Momma’s Meatloaf is a classic, flavorful meatloaf recipe that’s easy to prepare and holds together perfectly. This hearty dish features a delicious blend of ground beef, herbs, and breadcrumbs, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a comforting meal ideal for family dinners, served best with mashed potatoes and green peas.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 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 Oven and Prepare 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.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced white onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently knead with clean hands until all ingredients are well combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches high. Place it centered in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Initial Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 45 minutes to cook through partially.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
- Apply Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully brush the glaze evenly over the top. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and return the meatloaf to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve hot, ideally alongside mashed potatoes and green peas.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to ensure a tender meatloaf.
- Use a food thermometer to guarantee the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps retain moisture and improves texture.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a beef-pork mix for variation.
- For a thicker glaze, double the brown sugar in the glaze mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
