Go Back
A freshly baked meatloaf, still warm from the oven, with a glazed topping.

Perfect Meatloaf with 5 Secrets

This recipe reveals the five secrets to crafting a perfectly moist and flavorful meatloaf. It is an ideal comfort food that brings a gourmet touch to a classic dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Equipment

  • loaf pan
  • large bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, egg, milk, bread crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
  4. For the glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
Baking
  1. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
  2. After 45 minutes, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  3. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra moisture, consider adding finely grated zucchini or carrots to the meatloaf mixture. To prevent cracking, ensure you don't overmix the meat. The resting period is crucial for juicy meatloaf; it helps the juices redistribute throughout the loaf.