The Best Ever Meatloaf

Meatloaf: A Hearty Slice of Tradition

Meatloaf truly embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort, carrying a sense of tradition with every bite. This classic dish, deeply rooted in American culinary history, often brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating a hearty slice. My grandmother’s meatloaf, a cherished recipe in our family, was exceptional due to her meticulous approach—everything from the ideal blend of spices to the precise baking time was carefully crafted to ensure a juicy, flavorful loaf every single time.

I’m excited to share my own version of her legendary recipe with you, refined and perfected over the years. With these steps, you’ll be on your way to making a meatloaf that could very well become a new favorite at your family table!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef: The foundation of the meatloaf, providing a rich and savory flavor.

1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and moisture to the meatloaf.

3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory flavor with a touch of pungency.

1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf and gives it structure.

1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to keep the meatloaf tender.

1 egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf together.

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, umami flavor.

1 tsp. dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness.

1 tsp. dried basil: Complements the thyme with a sweet, herbal note.

1 tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors in the meatloaf.

1/2 tsp. black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

1/4 cup ketchup: Forms the base of the glaze, adding sweetness and tang.

2 tbsp. brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it caramelize.

2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy contrast to the sweet glaze.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the meatloaf evenly and thoroughly.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. The mixture should be well incorporated but still tender.

3. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. This glaze will create a deliciously sweet and tangy topping for your meatloaf.

4. Form the Loaf

Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer. Spread the ketchup mixture evenly over this layer. Then, top with the remaining meat mixture, smoothing it out to form an even layer on top.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures that the meatloaf is cooked through but still moist and tender. The top should be nicely caramelized and slightly crisp …