Old Fashioned Meatloaf

Description

This Old Fashioned Meatloaf is a classic comfort-food favorite made with tender ground beef, sautéed onion and green pepper, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, and simple seasonings. It’s finished with a sweet and tangy ketchup-brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

It’s an easy family dinner that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 2½ lb ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and green pepper with a little salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
3. Make the meatloaf mixture:
   Add the ground beef, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
4. Mix gently:
   Mix everything together just until combined. Avoid overmixing so the meatloaf stays tender.
5. Shape the meatloaf:
   Place the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf.
6. First bake:
   Bake for about 45 minutes.
7. Prepare the glaze:
   While the meatloaf cooks, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
8. Add the glaze:
   Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top.
9. Finish baking:
   Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through. For ground beef, the center should reach 160°F (71°C).
10. Rest and serve:
    Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overmix the meat mixture—it can make the meatloaf dense.
• Sautéing the onion and pepper first gives the meatloaf extra flavor.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it stays juicy.
• For a richer flavor, use a blend of ground beef with a little higher fat content.
• Leftovers make excellent meatloaf sandwiches.

What to Serve With It

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, peas, roasted carrots, green beans, corn, or a simple garden salad for a classic family dinner.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to 3 months.