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USA · Food

Classic American Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

45 min
750 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · July 3, 2026

Classic American Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze🇺🇸

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

2 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Classic American Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Fritter74 recipes from 19 countries

A quintessential American comfort food, this savory meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, it's a nostalgic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table, perfect for a family meal.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Classic American Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze from another cuisine is Tire Köftesi (Türkiye): the two share 55% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine 900 g ground beef, 75 g breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 120 ml milk, ½ cup finely chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian herbs.

  • 2

    Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined. Do not overmix.

  • 3

    Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9x5-inch loaf pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet.

  • 4

    For the glaze, combine ½ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp mustard in a small bowl. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

  • 5

    Bake for 45 minutes. Then, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.

  • 6

    Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a traditional American dish made of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, and herbs, topped with a ketchup glaze. It is typically served as a main course for dinner.

Which type of ground beef is best for a classic American meatloaf?

For a moist and flavorful classic meatloaf, 80/20 ground chuck is recommended as its fat content provides richness without excessive greasiness. Leaner meats can result in a drier loaf.

What is the ideal cooking temperature and time for this meatloaf?

Bake the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 60-65 minutes. It is perfectly cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C).

How can I prevent my meatloaf from turning out dry or crumbly?

To avoid a dry or crumbly meatloaf, ensure you don't overmix the ingredients, which can make it tough. Also, avoid using excessively lean ground beef and be sure to include a binder like egg and breadcrumbs mixed with milk.

Can I prepare the ketchup glaze ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Yes, the ketchup glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and simply warm it gently before spreading it onto the meatloaf during baking.

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