Description
This Best Classic Meatloaf recipe features a comforting ketchup glaze that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Made with lean ground beef and quick-cooking oats as a gluten-free binder, it’s a hearty, nostalgic dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (ground turkey or pork can also be used)
- 1 cup Quick Cooking Oats (serves as a gluten-free binder)
- 2 Eggs (acts as a binder; use flaxseed meal for vegan option)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (shallots or green onions can be used)
- 1/2 cup Milk (any plant-based milk can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (coconut aminos is a gluten-free alternative)
Glaze
- 1 cup Ketchup (BBQ sauce can be used for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (honey or maple syrup can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon Cider Vinegar (red wine vinegar can be used)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by covering it with aluminum foil and placing a wire rack on top.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and set aside.
- Mix the meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, quick cooking oats, eggs, chopped onion, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined but do not overwork.
- Shape the loaf: Form the meat mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf shape and place it on the prepared wire rack and baking sheet.
- Apply the glaze and bake: Spread half of the ketchup glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Glaze again and continue baking: Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze on top, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Rest before serving: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the Worcestershire sauce or substitute with coconut aminos is gluten-free.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for variations.
- For a vegan alternative, use flaxseed meal instead of eggs and plant-based milk.
- Use BBQ sauce in place of ketchup in the glaze for a smoky flavor.
- Resting the meatloaf after baking helps it hold together better when slicing.
