A classic meatloaf that stays juicy and slices cleanly, built from a simple mixture of beef, onion, and milk-soaked breadcrumbs. A ketchup glaze lightly caramelizes in the oven for the familiar sweet-savory finish of American meatloaf. Economical, family-friendly, and easy enough to make regularly.
Heat the oven to 190°C and finely chop the white onion. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk and let them soak for 2 minutes, until they form a moist paste. Add the onion, egg, 33% of the ketchup, 75% of the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the ground beef last and mix with your hands for only
Turn what you find into an experience you can actually bring to your kitchen.
Transfer the mixture to a baking tray and gently shape it into a loaf about 20 × 10 cm, keeping the thickness even without packing it tightly. Mix the remaining 67% of the ketchup, the brown sugar, and the remaining 25% of the Worcestershire sauce, then spread the glaze over the top and exposed sides. It should form a thin, even coating, not a pool of sauce.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the glaze is glossy and lightly caramelized around the edges and a thermometer inserted into the center reads 71°C. Remove the tray with oven mitts and let the meatloaf rest for 8 minutes before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute and the slices to hold their shape. Serve in thick slices. And that's it! If it slices cleanly while still looking juicy inside, the meatloaf has done exactly what it should 😌
