Classic All-American MeatloafAI Generated

Culinary Journeys · American

Classic All-American Meatloaf

A comforting classic reimagined with love

Discover the heartwarming flavors of this quintessential American dish. Juicy and rich, our meatloaf recipe melds tradition with a hint of innovation, offering a satisfying meal that promises to bring smiles to the dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 hr

Serves

4 to 6

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Glaze

  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp mustard

Method

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it.

  2. 2

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, carrot, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

  3. 3

    Shape and Bake

    Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.

  4. 4

    Prepare the Glaze

    While the meatloaf is baking, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl until smooth.

  5. 5

    Glaze the Meatloaf

    After 50 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Rest and Serve

    Once cooked, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish.

Origin story

Meatloaf became a staple in American homes during the Great Depression, offering an economical way to stretch meat into a family-sized meal. Over the decades, it has evolved into a beloved comfort food, each family adding their own regional or familial twist.