Ingredients
- Meatloaf Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¾ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground paprika
- Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients:
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
- 2 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: First, line your loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375°F. This step saves you from stuck-on meatloaf disasters (trust me, I’ve been there).
- Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine all your meatloaf ingredients. I like to mix everything gently with my hands—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense. The mixture should feel cohesive but not overly sticky.
- Shape and bake: Press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly so it cooks uniformly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. During this time, your kitchen will start smelling amazing.
- Make the glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. The vinegar gives it a slight tang, while the brown sugar balances it with sweetness.
- Glaze and finish: After 40 minutes, spread the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the glaze caramelizes and forms a sticky, glossy topping.
- Rest before slicing: Patience is key! Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and allows the juices to redistribute.
Notes
This recipe serves about 6–8 people, but it’s easy to scale. For a smaller portion, halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller pan. For a crowd, double the recipe and use a 9”x13” pan—just keep an eye on the baking time and use that trusty thermometer to ensure doneness.
One quirk I’ve noticed when scaling up is that the glaze tends to disappear quickly (because everyone loves it!), so you might want to make extra.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner