meatloaf with ketchup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meatloaf with ketchup recipe

I’ve been making this meatloaf with ketchup recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic dish that never goes out of style, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make.

The combination of ground beef, pork, and seasonings, topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, is absolute perfection. I love how the flavors all come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

My kids devour it every time I serve it, and my husband requests it frequently for dinner. It’s also a great way to get some extra veggies in, as you can add finely chopped onions, carrots, or zucchini to the meat mixture without affecting the flavor.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion – everyone will love it! The key to making this meatloaf truly special is to use high-quality ingredients and not overmix the meat mixture.

This will ensure that the meatloaf stays tender and juicy on the inside, while still being nice and firm on the outside. I like to use a combination of beef and pork for this recipe, as it adds depth of flavor and helps keep the meatloaf moist.

You can also customize this recipe by adding your favorite spices or herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor. Some people like to add a layer of cheese on top of the meatloaf before baking – this adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that’s just amazing.

Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

4.8 from 1279 votes

A comforting classic, this meatloaf is made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a sweet ketchup glaze. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time75 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup milk

For the Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and milk.
3Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4The mixture should hold together when pressed.
5Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6Use your hands to press the mixture evenly into the pan, creating a smooth top surface.
7Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
8While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze.
9In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until the sugar is fully dissolved.
10The glaze should be smooth and well combined.
11After 40 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
12Brush the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
13Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the glaze is caramelized and slightly thickened.
14Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
15This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
16Slice the meatloaf into thick slices and serve with your favorite side dishes.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
9×5-inch loaf pan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meatloaf for extra nutrition and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Classic Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze Works

This meatloaf with ketchup recipe is a staple in our household – we love serving it at family gatherings or just as a weeknight dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply slice up what’s left over after dinner and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

When you’re ready to serve again, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Q: What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

This recipe works best with a combination of ground beef and pork. You can use either 80/20 or 70/30 lean to fat ratio for the meats.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the meat mixture?

Yes, you can add finely chopped onions, carrots, or zucchini to the meat mixture without affecting the flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?

To prevent the meatloaf from drying out, make sure not to overmix the meat mixture and don’t overbake it.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the meat mixture up to a day in advance, but don’t assemble the loaf until you’re ready to bake it.

Q: What if I don’t have ketchup on hand?

You can substitute ketchup with a mixture of equal parts brown sugar and apple cider vinegar – it won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!

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