Recipe for Meatloaf – Classic Comfort Dinner

Hi there, food lover! 👋

Ready to bring a little nostalgic comfort to your dinner table? Today we’re making a classic meatloaf—the kind that’s been warming homes for generations. 🍽️✨

This dish is the definition of old-fashioned comfort: tender ground beef mixed with onions, breadcrumbs, and spices, baked to juicy perfection under a sweet-and-savory glaze. It’s simple, hearty, and soul-soothing in the best way.

Families have been passing down their own versions of meatloaf since the early 1900s, each adding small touches—more herbs here, a splash of milk there—that make it uniquely theirs. This recipe honors that traditional spirit, keeping things simple and delicious while giving you a perfectly moist, flavorful loaf every time.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal, feeding a hungry family, or craving something that tastes like home, this meatloaf will check every box. So let’s roll up our sleeves and make a dish that never goes out of style. ❤️👩‍🍳

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Glaze

½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
Mix gently with your hands—overmixing makes the meatloaf dense.

3. Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf, or press it into a loaf pan. Smooth the top.

4. Make the Glaze

Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard together.
Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

5. Bake

Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.
Return to the oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Rest & Slice

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy and intact.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad for the ultimate comfort dinner. 😍🍽️

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 1 hr | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️