Description
This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic comfort food made with ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. The meatloaf is baked in the oven and topped with a tangy ketchup and BBQ sauce glaze, making it moist, delicious, and perfect for a family dinner. It yields 8 hearty servings and includes simple steps for mixing, glazing, and resting to ensure the perfect texture and juiciness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk, stirring well and allowing it to sit for a few minutes. Add ground beef, eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons ketchup. Mix everything gently with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Shape Meatloaf: Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. Transfer the meat mixture into the pan and press it gently into a loaf shape, avoiding excessive handling.
- Bake Initial: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Prepare Glaze: While baking, mix together 1/4 cup ketchup, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl until combined.
- Apply Glaze and Bake Further: Remove meatloaf from the oven, spoon the glaze evenly over the top, then return it to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes outside the oven to finish cooking and ensure juiciness. Carefully lift it out using the parchment paper, transfer to a plate, and slice gently to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh ground beef for best flavor and texture.
- Resting the meatloaf is essential to retain juices and improve slicing.
- Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer ensures safe and perfect doneness.
- You can customize the glaze by adjusting the amount of BBQ sauce or brown sugar to suit your taste.
