Discover the ultimate comfort food with this "Favorite Meat Loaf" recipe, a hearty and flavorful classic that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Made with tender ground beef, savory Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of garlic powder, this meat loaf is perfectly seasoned and balanced with hints of tangy ketchup and mustard. The magic comes from the irresistible topping—a caramelized glaze of brown sugar, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar—that adds a mouthwatering sweet-and-tangy finish. Quick to prep in just 15 minutes and baked to juicy perfection, this meat loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and green beans for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Whether it’s a weeknight staple or a nostalgic favorite, this easy-to-make dish will quickly become a household favorite.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan, pressing down lightly to ensure an even layer.
In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: brown sugar, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meat loaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the meat loaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Once cooked, remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices.
Slice and serve warm. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dish for a comforting meal.
Calories |
2837 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 177.0 g | 227% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.0 g | 345% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 873 mg | 291% | |
| Sodium | 5964 mg | 259% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 153.5 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.7 g | ||
| Protein | 181.1 g | 362% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 390 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 22.4 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 2993 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.