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THE BEST Meatloaf

The Best Meatloaf for Cozy Dinners Your Family Will Love

This is the best meatloaf recipe ever, combining juicy ground beef with a tangy brown sugar glaze, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds ground beef Feel free to swap with ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
  • 2 whole eggs Acts as a binder.
  • 1/4 cup dried minced onion Can be substituted with 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
  • 2/3 cup wheat crackers Use plain breadcrumbs if you don’t have crackers.
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese Omit completely for a dairy-free option.
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup Can replace with BBQ sauce for a unique twist.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Feel free to reduce for a less sweet alternative.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce Swap for soy sauce if needed.
For the Glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups remaining ketchup mixture For topping the meatloaf.

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of ketchup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, dried minced onion, wheat crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet.
  5. Spread half of the prepared glaze over the top of the shaped meatloaf.
  6. Bake for 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
  8. Serve sliced portions warm with favorite sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow the meatloaf to sit for 10 minutes after baking to prevent crumbling.

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