Delicious sliced meatloaf with a comforting ketchup glaze sits invitingly on a white plate, accompanied by a knife and napkin.
A plate with classic meatloaf slices covered in comforting ketchup, alongside a fork. A small bowl of ketchup with a spoon is on the side.

Classic Meatloaf – Comforting, Hearty, and Delicious

A man in a chef's uniform standing in front of a bar.Andre Dupont
This Classic Meatloaf is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a hint of ketchup glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Meal Type Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 463 kcal
Difficulty Easy
Ingredient Cost $6
Shopping Cost$24

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Ingredients
 
 

Meatloaf:

  • 1.5 pounds Ground beef
  • ½ cup Breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
  • 2 large Eggs
  • ¼ cup Milk
  • 1 small Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional for depth of flavor

Glaze:

  • ¼ cup Ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Mustard optional for tang

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix until well combined, being careful not to over-mix.
    1.5 pounds Ground beef, 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs, 2 large Eggs, 1/4 cup Milk, 1 small Onion, 2 cloves Garlic, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper, 1 tablespoon Dried parsley, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Shape and Bake the Meatloaf:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, forming a compact loaf.

Prepare the Glaze:

  • In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread this glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
    1/4 cup Ketchup, 1 tablespoon Brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Mustard

Bake and Rest:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Substitute Options: Use ground turkey or a beef-pork mix for a variation.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce.
Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 173mgSodium: 876mgPotassium: 547mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 208IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 4mg
Keyword American Comfort Food, Classic Meatloaf, Donald Trump Recipe, Easy Meatloaf Recipe, Nostalgic Meatloaf

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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Donald Trump’s love for classic American comfort food includes dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. One such favorite is meatloaf—a dish often associated with home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Reportedly based on his mother’s cherished recipe, Trump’s love for meatloaf reflects his taste for simple, filling foods that bring back memories of childhood.

This Classic Meatloaf is made with ground beef, a few pantry staples, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, this meatloaf delivers both flavor and comfort. Baked to perfection, it offers a slice of Americana that’s satisfying and versatile, pairing well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.

A plate of grilled tofu with cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and pine nuts, garnished with a mint leaf, on a bed of green lettuce.
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