Name: Homestyle Beef Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300 g Ground Beef, not extra-lean; ⅓ cup Breadcrumbs, plain; 3 tbsp Milk, for soaking breadcrumbs; 1 Egg, lightly beaten; ½ Onion, finely chopped; 1 clove Garlic, minced; 3 tbsp Tomato Ketchup, divided for mixture and glaze; 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce, for savory depth; ½ tsp Salt, for seasoning; ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper, freshly ground if possible

1 hr 10 mintotal

1 hr hands-on10 min hands-off

Prep 15 min · Cook 45 min

Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Spice: Mild

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Method

Heat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease a small baking dish.
Soak the breadcrumbs with the milk until softened, then add the egg, onion, garlic, part of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands just until combined; do not compact the mixture.
Shape into a loaf in the baking dish, spread the remaining ketchup over the top, and bake until browned and cooked through.
Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices settle and the slices hold together.
10 min

How to tell it's done

The meatloaf should slice cleanly, stay moist inside, and have a glossy tomato glaze on top.

Getting it right

Tip

Mix the meatloaf gently; overworking the beef makes the finished loaf dense.

What to serve it with

Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad for a classic American dinner.

Common mistakes

The loaf is dense and rubbery.: Soak the breadcrumbs in milk first and mix with a light hand. That soaked crumb is what keeps meatloaf tender; mince worked hard, or bound with dry breadcrumbs, sets like a brick.
It falls apart when sliced.: Rest it a full ten minutes in the dish before cutting. Cut hot, a meatloaf crumbles however well it was mixed.

Substitutions

Ground Beef — Ground Turkey can be used, but add a little extra moisture because it is leaner than beef.
Worcestershire Sauce — Use Soy Sauce for a savory substitute, but it changes the flavor and adds soy allergen concerns.

Storing and reheating

Keeps four days in the fridge and slices far better cold — meatloaf sandwiches are the reason to make a whole one. It freezes for three months, cooked or raw. Reheat slices covered in a moderate oven.

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Ingredients