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A delicious baked Meatloaf is featured as the main image of this article.

Irresistible Meatloaf Perfect Recipe

This meatloaf recipe delivers a moist, flavorful, and structurally sound loaf every time. By understanding the science of meatloaf, including the importance of fat content, binding agents, and flavor enhancers, you can create a truly memorable meal. The tangy-sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup ketchup for glaze
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar for glaze
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for glaze

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • Sauté pan
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • whisk
  • small bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a sauté pan over medium heat, cook the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press it down to create an even surface.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
  7. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
  8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef. Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk helps create a more tender crumb. Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them mellows their harshness and brings out their sweetness. Don't overmix the meatloaf, as this can make it tough. Meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. For a spicier meatloaf, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.