🇺🇸 USA · Food
Classic American Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze
By eatmundo · July 3, 2026
🇺🇸 USA 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.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ½ cup 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
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 60-75 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 milk-soaked bread.
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.
🇺🇸 USMundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Classic American Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze's core ingredients.
