Delicious Meatloaf Step by Step 

Meatloaf has always been a favorite of mine, my mom prepared it often when I was growing up. It’s an easy meal that can look fancy on your table on special occasions or it can be prepared as a casual every day meal for your family. One of the things I love about meatloaf is that it makes perfect leftovers, and one of our favorites is thick meatloaf sandwiches on Texas toast (thick bread slices) which are very easy to make. This meatloaf freezes beautifully and it’s always ready to go. Whether you top it with my delicious Ketchup sauce or with homemade gravy, you won’t go wrong. I hope you give it a try. 

Ingredients

For the meatloaf

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7)

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

• 2 slices whole wheat bread, finely diced

• Milk (enough to soak the bread)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup finely chopped onion

• 1/3 cup finely chopped orange bell pepper

• 1 large celery rib, finely chopped

• 2 large garlic cloves, grated

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1¾ teaspoons salt

For the ketchup topping

• 1½ cups ketchup

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon ground mustard (or yellow mustard)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread mixture
   Cut the bread into small pieces and place in a bowl. Pour in enough milk to fully soak the bread. Set aside.

2. Mix the meatloaf
   In a large bowl, combine both ground beefs. Add soaked bread, eggs, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   Gently mix everything together by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.

3. Shape the meatloaf
   Lightly press the mixture into a loaf pan to shape it, making sure there are no air pockets.
   Turn it out onto a rack set over a baking dish (to catch drippings).

4. Make the topping
   In a bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard until smooth.

5. Top the meatloaf
   Spread the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. It’s okay if it runs down the sides.

6. Bake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Place the meatloaf on the center rack. On the rack below, place a pan with about 3 cups of water to add moisture and prevent smoking.
   Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Rest and serve
   Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with broccoli and homemade cheese sauce

• Pair with mashed potatoes or Texas toast

• Leftovers make an amazing meatloaf sandwich the next day

Notes

• You can substitute bread with crackers, oats, or breadcrumbs

• Use all lean beef if preferred, but a mix keeps it juicy

• Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works too