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Cozy Meatloaf Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food Your Grandma Would Love

cozy meatloaf recipe - featured image

A hearty, tender meatloaf recipe inspired by grandmother’s classic comfort food, with a modern twist and a flavorful homemade glaze. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 ratio)
  • 1/2 pound (225 g) ground pork
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour 3/4 cup breadcrumbs into a small bowl. Add 1/3 cup milk and let soak for about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan and press evenly to avoid cracks.
  6. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes if glaze browns too fast.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to redistribute juices. Tent with foil if glaze browns too quickly. Breadcrumbs can be soaked in milk or substituted with Greek yogurt for extra moisture. Ground pork can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour can be used for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade meatloaf, cozy recipe, classic meatloaf, weeknight meal