Classic Meatloaf

Name: Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Tomato Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 7 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large egg ($0.18); ⅓ cup milk ($0.09); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.02); ½ cup plain breadcrumbs ($0.16); 1 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.10); ½ tsp garlic powder ($0.05); 1 tsp salt ($0.02); ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, $0.05); ½ cup minced onion ($0.22); 1½ lbs. ground beef (80/20, $7.95*); ½ cup ketchup ($0.30); 1 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.03**); 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.05); 1 tsp yellow mustard ($0.01)

This classic meatloaf combines ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce for a tender, juicy loaf finished with a tangy tomato glaze. It's a traditional comfort food that reheats beautifully and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

🌍American 🏷️Comfort food 🏷️Ground beef recipes 🏷️Meatloaf

Total

1h 5m

Servings

7

Difficulty

Hard

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Budget Bytes · by Beth Moncel

Ingredients

1 large egg ($0.18)
⅓ cup milk ($0.09)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.02)
½ cup plain breadcrumbs ($0.16)
1 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.10)
½ tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
1 tsp salt ($0.02)
¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, $0.05)
½ cup minced onion ($0.22)
1½ lbs. ground beef (80/20, $7.95*)
½ cup ketchup ($0.30)
1 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.03**)
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.05)
1 tsp yellow mustard ($0.01)

14 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a small bowl whisk together the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. In a separate small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mince the onion.
2
Add the ground beef, egg mixture, breadcrumb mixture, and minced onion to a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. Avoid over mixing.
3
Place the meat mixture on a rimmed baking dish and shape it into a loaf that is approximately 4-inches wide, 8-inches long, and 2-inches tall.
4
In a separate small bowl, stir together the glaze ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard). Spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
5
Bake the meatloaf for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, then slice and serve.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use 80/20 ground beef for enough fat to keep the loaf tender; lean beef results in a dry, dense texture.
Don't overmix the meat mixture—stir just until ingredients are combined to avoid a tough, compact loaf.
Check doneness at 160°F internal temperature in the thickest part using an instant-read thermometer; don't rely on color alone.
Let the baked meatloaf rest 5 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute and it holds together cleanly.

Substitutions

Ground beef → ground pork, ground turkey, or a 50/50 beef-pork blend (turkey will be leaner and may need an extra 2 tablespoons milk)
Plain breadcrumbs → crushed saltine crackers or panko (panko may make it slightly coarser in texture)
Worcestershire sauce → soy sauce or balsamic vinegar (use same amount for similar umami depth)
Italian seasoning → dried oregano and thyme (½ tsp each)