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Delicious homemade traditional meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Traditional Meatloaf

This traditional meatloaf is packed with flavor and warmth, making it a cherished family recipe perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of ground beef and pork) For extra flavor.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Preferably fresh.
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, milk, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently until well combined.
  3. Transfer the meat mixture onto a lightly greased baking sheet and shape it into a loaf.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, reserving the other half for later.
Baking
  1. Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  2. In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
Serving
  1. Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use whole-wheat breadcrumbs. Consider incorporating finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini into the mixture for added nutrition.