Juicy Homemade Meatloaf (Printable Format)
# What You’ll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
½ medium onion, diced
03 -
1 teaspoon butter
04 -
2 eggs
05 -
¾ cup milk
06 -
¾ cup Italian or seasoned bread crumbs
07 -
1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
08 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
10 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
11 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Meatloaf Sauce
12 -
½ cup chili sauce
13 -
½ cup ketchup
14 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
02 -
In a small pan, cook onions in butter over medium low heat until tender. Allow to cool completely.
03 -
In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb liquid.
04 -
Add the ground beef, cooled onions, 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 -
Form an 8"x4" loaf on the prepared baking pan and bake for 40 minutes.
06 -
While the meatloaf is cooking, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar (if using) to create the meatloaf sauce.
07 -
Spread sauce mixture over the partially cooked meatloaf and continue baking for an additional 15-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. For a caramelized top, broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
08 -
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Chili sauce is not spicy; it has a zesty flavor similar to ketchup with more tang and less sweetness. Find it near the ketchup at the grocery store.
02 -
For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
03 -
Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense meatloaf texture.
04 -
Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor without excess grease.
05 -
Baking on a sheet pan rather than in a loaf pan creates a nice crust and allows fat to drain away.
06 -
Cooking time may vary based on your oven, pan type, or starting temperature of the meat.