Classic Meatloaf

Name: Classic Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (85/15); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2/3 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

6 servings15 min prep60 min cookEasy

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Classic Meatloaf

Story updated September 18, 2026

Meatloaf has roots stretching back to Roman times, when ground meat was mixed with bread and seasonings to stretch a limited supply of meat. The American version rose to prominence during the Great Depression as an economical way to bulk up ground beef with fillers like breadcrumbs and oats.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

2 lbs ground beef (85/15)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2/3 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet or loaf pan with foil.
2In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes to soften.
3In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing gently with your hands until just combined.
4Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared pan, avoiding overworking the meat so it stays tender.
5Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar, then spread half over the top of the loaf.
6Bake for 45 minutes, then brush on the remaining glaze and bake another 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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