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Meat Loaf

Ultimate Juicy Meat Loaf

The Crispy Chef
This isn’t your grandma’s dry, brick-like loaf. Juicy ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed aromatics, and a sweet-savory glaze make this meat loaf pure comfort food gold. Foolproof, customizable, and even better the next day as sandwiches.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Resting time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan or rimmed baking sheet
  • small skillet
  • small bowl for glaze
  • Meat thermometer
  • Kitchen scale (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or 3/4 cup panko)
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs. Let soak 5 minutes until softened.
  • Sauté onion 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Let cool slightly.
  • Mix ground beef with soaked breadcrumbs, egg, onion mixture, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Gently combine by hand.
  • Shape into a loaf and place in prepared pan.
  • Mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire to make glaze.
  • Bake loaf for 45 minutes.
  • Brush with half the glaze. Return to oven 15–20 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Brush with remaining glaze. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Make it gluten-free with GF breadcrumbs, dairy-free with almond milk, or lighter with leaner beef plus extra milk. Flavor variations include Italian-style with Parmesan, BBQ style with rub and BBQ sauce, or veggie-packed with carrots and celery. Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches or freezing in slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 24gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
Keyword comfort food, Easy Dinner, juicy meatloaf recipe, meat loaf
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