\n<\/p>\n
A good meatloaf should be tender, juicy, and full of flavor, not dense and dry like the dreaded \u201cmeat brick\u201d many of us grew up with.<\/p>\n
The key to a great meatloaf is moisture and gentle handling. A simple mixture of breadcrumbs and milk creates what chefs call a panade, which keeps the meatloaf soft and juicy while it cooks. Combined with onion, garlic, and a simple tangy glaze, the result is a comforting dish that slices beautifully and stays moist.<\/p>\n
This classic juicy meatloaf is perfect for weeknight dinners and even better the next day in sandwiches.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd25 Use 80\/20 beef
A little fat keeps the meatloaf juicy.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd25 Do not skip the panade
Breadcrumbs soaked in milk prevent a dry loaf.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd25 Mix gently
Overmixing creates a dense texture.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd25 Bake on a sheet pan for better flavor
Air circulation browns the outside and adds more flavor.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd25 Add grated vegetables for extra moisture
Grated carrot or zucchini works beautifully.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd25 Double the glaze for extra flavor
Many people love extra glaze brushed on during the last 10 minutes.<\/p>\n
This meatloaf is savory, tender, and juicy, with mild herbs and garlic throughout. The glaze adds a slightly sweet and tangy contrast that caramelizes in the oven and creates a classic comfort-food flavor.<\/p>\n
It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.<\/p>\n
Servings
6 servings<\/p>\n
\u2705 Ingredients
Meatloaf<\/p>\n
\u2714 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80\/20 for best flavor)
\u2714 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
\u2714 \u00bd cup milk
\u2714 1 small onion, finely chopped
\u2714 2 garlic cloves, minced
\u2714 1 egg
\u2714 3 tbsp ketchup
\u2714 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
\u2714 1 tsp salt
\u2714 \u00bd tsp black pepper
\u2714 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
\u2714 2 tbsp parsley (optional)<\/p>\n
Simple Glaze (Highly Recommended)<\/p>\n
\u2714 \u2153 cup ketchup
\u2714 1 tbsp brown sugar
\u2714 1 tsp mustard (optional)<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83c\udf73 Instructions
1\ufe0f\u20e3 Preheat<\/p>\n
Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).<\/p>\n
Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease a loaf pan.<\/p>\n
A baking sheet allows better browning around the meatloaf.<\/p>\n
2\ufe0f\u20e3 Make the moisture base<\/p>\n
In a bowl, combine:<\/p>\n
\u2022 breadcrumbs
\u2022 milk<\/p>\n
Let the mixture sit 2\u20133 minutes until the crumbs absorb the milk.<\/p>\n
This simple step creates a panade, which keeps the meatloaf moist instead of dense.<\/p>\n
3\ufe0f\u20e3 Mix the meatloaf<\/p>\n
Add to the bowl:<\/p>\n
\u2022 ground beef
\u2022 chopped onion
\u2022 garlic
\u2022 egg
\u2022 ketchup
\u2022 Worcestershire sauce
\u2022 salt
\u2022 pepper
\u2022 herbs<\/p>\n
Mix gently with your hands just until everything is combined.<\/p>\n
Avoid overmixing. Overworking the meat creates a tough, dense loaf.<\/p>\n
4\ufe0f\u20e3 Shape<\/p>\n
Form the mixture into a loaf shape.<\/p>\n
Place it:<\/p>\n
\u2022 on a baking sheet for better browning, or
\u2022 in a loaf pan for a more traditional shape.<\/p>\n
5\ufe0f\u20e3 Add the glaze<\/p>\n
In a small bowl mix:<\/p>\n
\u2022 ketchup
\u2022 brown sugar
\u2022 mustard<\/p>\n
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.<\/p>\n
This creates a sweet, tangy, caramelized topping.<\/p>\n
6\ufe0f\u20e3 Bake<\/p>\n
Bake for 50\u201360 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160\u00b0F (71\u00b0C).<\/p>\n
7\ufe0f\u20e3 Rest before slicing<\/p>\n
Allow the meatloaf to rest 10 minutes before slicing.<\/p>\n
(Per serving, approximate)
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein:
\u2022 23 g
Fat:
\u2022 18 g
Carbohydrates:
\u2022 16 g
Fiber:
\u2022 1 g
Sugar:
\u2022 5 g
Sodium:
\u2022 ~480 mg
This step lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf tender.<\/p>\n
How to Make a Juicy Meatloaf A good meatloaf should be tender, juicy, and full of flavor, not dense and dry like the dreaded \u201cmeat brick\u201d many of us grew up with. The key to a great meatloaf is moisture and gentle handling. A simple mixture of breadcrumbs and milk creates what chefs call a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":355119,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[141],"tags":[810,37360],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7056118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-budget-food","tag-juicy","tag-meatloaf"],"yoast_head":"\n