Mom's Secret Ingredient Meatloaf

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Mom's Secret Ingredient Meatloaf, a classic dish elevated by a surprising twist. This hearty recipe features a tender blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and aromatic seasonings, but the real magic lies in the secret ingredient—apple sauce—adding a subtle sweetness and unparalleled moisture to every bite. Smothered in a rich, tangy glaze of ketchup and brown sugar, this meatloaf bakes to perfection in just an hour. With only 15 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup mom's secret ingredient: apple sauce

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and the secret ingredient: apple sauce.

Step 3

Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.

Step 4

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to form a consistent shape and ensuring there are no large air pockets.

Step 5

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and brown sugar to make the glaze. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 6

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Step 8

Slice and serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1609.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2926.4

Total Fat 176.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 872.8mg	0%
Sodium 5733.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 177.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.9g	0%
Total Sugars 78.4g
Protein 180.5g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 419.8mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 3026.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.6%

Protein: 23.9%

Carbs: 23.5%