Easy Classic Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup soda crackers)
crushed (Saltines
- 1/2 cup onion
finely diced
- 5.5 oz can tomato paste or 13 oz/398ml tomato sauce *see Note 1 below)
(156 ml
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
packed
- 1/4 cup cider or white vinegar
I generally use white, but try both and see which one you prefer
- 1 tsp prepared yellow mustard
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350F. (not fan assisted) Cover a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil (or two layers of regular aluminum foil). Set aside.
- 2
In a medium bowl, make the sauce by stirring together the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
- 3
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, egg, salt, pepper, crushed crackers and diced onion. Using a large spoon, stir to combine well. Add a little less than 1/2 of the prepared sauce to the beef mixture. Stir to combine well.
- 4
Drop big spoonfuls of the ground beef mixture into a rough log shape in the centre of the prepared baking pan. Using your hands, shape into a loaf shape about 2-3 inches high x 3 inches wide x 10-12 inches long. Try to keep the top of the loaf flat, so the sauce will stay on the top as it cooks. Spoon the remaining sauce over the top, along the length of the meatloaf. Use a spoon to spread over the top, trying to keep most of it on top. Spread a bit along the sides.
- 5
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meat registers 160F when tested with an instant read thermometer. Allow to rest several minutes before cutting. Serve garnished with parsley or Parmesan, if desired. Great served with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable.
Easy Classic Meatloaf
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About this Recipe
Looking for that quintessential comfort food that brings everyone to the table? This easy classic meatloaf recipe delivers familiar, hearty flavors your family will adore, proving that homemade doesn't have to be complicated.
What truly sets this meatloaf apart is its perfectly balanced, rich tomato paste topping, which caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Coupled with a simple base of lean ground beef and everyday pantry staples, it's a fuss-free way to enjoy a deeply satisfying, home-cooked meal that tastes just like you remember from childhood.
You can expect a tender, flavorful meatloaf with a wonderfully savory and slightly sweet crust from the vibrant tomato topping. The combination of finely diced onion and crushed soda crackers ensures a moist, comforting interior, while the lean ground beef keeps it satisfyingly robust without being greasy. It’s a straightforward dish to prepare, making it an ideal candidate for any weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal.
While this recipe shines as is, feel free to customize the topping's tang by experimenting with cider or white vinegar; both offer distinct notes and you might find you prefer one over the other. For a slightly different twist on the glaze, the recipe notes that a larger quantity of tomato sauce can be used in place of the tomato paste, resulting in a thinner, but equally delicious, coating.
Serve this hearty meatloaf as the star of your family dinner, perhaps alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted green beans for a complete, comforting meal. It's truly a dish that invites lingering around the dinner table.