Easy

Classic Diner Meatloaf

Name: Classic Diner Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs; 3/4 cup milk; 2 lb ground beef (80 percent lean); 2 eggs; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

A juicy, tender meatloaf with a sweet tangy ketchup glaze.

The short version. Soak breadcrumbs in milk, mix them gently with ground beef, eggs, onion and seasoning, shape a loaf, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, brush on the glaze, and bake about 30 minutes more until it reaches 160°F in the center.

Prep 15 min
Cook 1 hr 5 min
Rise or rest 10 min
Makes 8 slices

Scaling is exact math. For a fraction of an egg, beat the egg and measure out that fraction.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
¾ cup milk
2 lb ground beef (80 percent lean)
2 eggs
1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Glaze

½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions

Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
Stir the breadcrumbs and milk together and let them sit for 5 minutes.
Mix the soaked crumbs with the eggs, onion, salt, pepper and Worcestershire. Add the beef and mix with your hands only until combined. Overmixing makes it dense.
Shape the mixture into a loaf about 9 by 5 inches on the baking sheet.
Stir the ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar together. Bake the loaf for 30 minutes, then brush on half the glaze.
Bake about 30 minutes more, until the center reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Brush on the remaining glaze for the last 5 minutes.
Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside.

Tips

Shaping the loaf on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan lets the glaze caramelize on every side.
Leftover slices make great sandwiches.

Technique guides

Questions

How do I know it is done?

A thermometer in the center should read 160°F. Color alone is not a reliable sign for ground beef.

Cooking involves heat and sharp tools. Kids cook with an adult. Times and temperatures are guides, so use your own judgment and a thermometer, and watch for allergens.

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