Classic American Meatloaf

Introduction

A slice of Classic American Meatloaf brings the ultimate comfort to your dinner table. Juicy, deeply savory, and topped with a tangy glaze, this meatloaf recipe is beloved for its reliable flavor and easy preparation. It’s a hearty crowd-pleaser that can feed a hungry family or become the centerpiece of a cozy dinner party.

Whether you’re craving nostalgia or a meal that stretches, this meatloaf delivers reliable satisfaction every time.

Why This Meatloaf Deserves a Place at Your Table

This recipe features a tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef base, filled out with onions, herbs, and a blend of breadcrumbs. The sweet and zesty glaze caramelizes as it bakes, providing that irresistible finishing touch. Classic American Meatloaf is versatile enough for weeknight meals, yet impressive enough for guests—plus, leftovers make incredible sandwiches.

Prepping Vegetables with Ease

Chopping onions, carrots, and celery into fine, uniform pieces ensures your meatloaf is moist and flavorful without large bites of vegetable. You can make fast, consistent work of your chopping prep with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which saves time and gives you even-sized pieces for the best texture.

Mixing, Shaping, and Baking Your Meatloaf

Combine your ground meat, aromatics, seasonings, breadcrumbs, and eggs in a large bowl, taking care not to overwork the mixture. Shape the loaf by hand and place it on a lined baking sheet. Using Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll makes for speedy cleanup and prevents sticking.

While baking, check your meatloaf’s doneness with the reliable ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking—perfect doneness means an internal temperature of 160°F.

Homemade Glaze: The Irresistible Finishing Touch

A simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar creates a tangy-sweet glaze that’s brushed onto the loaf before baking. To get an even spread, use a heat-resistant spatula or silicone brush.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

Allow your meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing for tidy, intact portions. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans, or tuck slices into a sandwich with fresh bread and greens for a satisfying lunch the next day. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep them fresh and easy to reheat.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 robust slices. Each slice provides roughly 250–300 calories, packed with protein and iron, while the addition of vegetables adds vitamins and fiber. Perfect for a balanced dinner that’s delicious and filling.

Classic American Meatloaf (Recap)

Tried, true, and always satisfying—this meatloaf offers the ultimate in classic American dinners. Its flavor, texture, and versatility make it a go-to comfort food worthy of any mealtime celebration.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy removal and cleanup.
2. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, finely chop onion, celery, and carrot. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add ground beef, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano to the bowl. Mix gently by hand until just combined; do not overmix or the loaf may become dense.
4. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf (about 8×4 inches) on the lined baking sheet. Smooth the top and edges.
5. In a small bowl, mix together all glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush a generous amount on the entire surface of the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F is reached, checked using the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking.
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes