Best Classic Meatloaf

Meatloaf is an old-school recipe that everyone should know how to make. It might not be the sexiest piece of food.

Also try our other recipes > Mexican Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS

• Cooking spray
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 c. bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 c. ketchup
• 2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
• Freshly chopped parsley, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9"-x-5" loaf pan with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 minutes. Add thyme and garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Turn off heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine vegetable mixture, ground beef, bread crumbs, and eggs. Press into prepared loaf pan. 
3. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and brown sugar. 
4. Brush meatloaf with half the ketchup mixture and bake for 45 minutes. Brush with remaining ketchup mixture and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the middle of the loaf reaches 155°. Let cool 15 minutes. 
5. Garnish with parsley to serve.