🍖 Classic Juicy Meatloaf

How's about a a perfectly juicy, tender, melt-in-your-mouth meatloaf?! The kind that’s packed with flavor, holds together beautifully, and has that irresistible glaze on top. Here’s a Sunday Kitchen recipe that hits all the notes of comfort and satisfaction.

🛒Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

  • 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is perfect — juicy but not greasy)

  • ½ lb ground pork (optional, but adds incredible tenderness and flavor)

  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers for extra flavor)

  • ¾ cup whole milk

  • 1 small onion, finely minced or grated

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but lovely)

For the glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • A dash of hot sauce (optional)

👩🏻‍🍳Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep:
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. Make the breadcrumb mixture:
    In a bowl, stir together breadcrumbs and milk. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes — this keeps the meatloaf juicy.

  3. Mix the meat:
    In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings.
    Tip: Mix gently with your hands or a fork — overmixing makes it dense.

  4. Shape and bake:
    Shape into a loaf on the prepared pan (about 9x5 inches). Bake for 40 minutes.

  5. Add glaze:
    Mix the glaze ingredients together. Brush half over the loaf and return to the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C).

  6. Rest and serve:
    Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing — this keeps the juices in. Brush with remaining glaze before serving.

❤️Sunday Tip

  • Add ½ cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar to the meat mixture.

  • Swap half the ketchup in the glaze for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

  • Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or buttered green beans for the perfect plate.