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Classic Homemade Meatloaf Recipe with Easy Tangy Ketchup Glaze

classic homemade meatloaf recipe - featured image

A simple, comforting meatloaf recipe featuring a juicy blend of ground beef and pork, topped with a tangy ketchup glaze that adds a perfect zing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • ½ pound (225g) ground pork (adds moisture and richness)
  • 1 cup (90g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned; Panko works well for texture)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • ½ cup (120g) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Set aside.
  3. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to your loaf pan. Press it in gently and shape it evenly to fit the pan, smoothing the top.
  6. Spread about two-thirds of the ketchup glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
  9. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Let the meatloaf rest after baking to keep it juicy. If glaze browns too fast, tent with foil during last 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond or oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, homemade meatloaf, ketchup glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal