Baked Meatloaf

This easy Meatloaf Recipe is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, Italian spices, and coated with a sweet tomato glaze.  Then this moist loaf is baked to tender juicy perfection.  The end result is the ultimate family comfort food meal.  For over the top meal with the best flavors serve with mashed potatoes and Southern Green Beans.

My family absolutely loves this meatloaf and I always get rave reviews from friends. There are just so many great sides that go with it that you really just can not go wrong.  Although it is always a challenge to save part of it for grilled meatloaf sandwiches.

How to make Classic Baked Meatloaf

First in a large bowl mix together the ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, barbecue sauce, parsley, marjoram, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and milk.  Then in a large casserole dish gently shape the mixture into a loaf. Now place the meatloaf in a preheated oven.  Next whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.  Cook low and slow basting the meatloaf with the sauce after 20 minutes and every 15 minutes after that.  Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Recipes notes and helpful tips

• You might be tempted to use a lean ground beef but that makes for a dry meatloaf. Use ground beef with at least a 15% fat content. The same rules applies if using ground turkey or ground pork.
• Be gentle when mixing the meatloaf and do not overmix.  Gently shape the mixture into a loaf.
• I like to shape it into a loaf in a large 9×13 casserole dish but you could also use a baking sheet or 9×5 inch loaf pan.
• Don’t skip the glaze as it really helps lock in the moisture.
• Cook low and slow.  Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour 20 minutes or when an internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. An Instant read meat thermometer is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
• After removing the meatloaf from the oven let it rest for 10-15 minutes covered loosely with an aluminum foil before cutting into slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Meatloaf Recipe variations

• Meat – mix it up with ground pork, sausage or turkey.  Or better yet make a mixture of the different ground meats.
• Cheese – add shredded or cubed mozzarella, cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack
• Glaze – change up the glaze by adding apricot jam, balsamic vinegar, or barbecue sauce.
• Get really creative – top with a garlic butter sauce, rich brown gravy, country gravy, or onion straws.

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