Description
A comforting, classic meatloaf recipe inspired by the Pioneer Woman—this version features juicy ground beef, buttery crackers, a tangy-sweet ketchup glaze, and a tender bite that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or Sunday meals with family.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
3/4 cup crushed buttery crackers
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup diced onion
1/3 cup ketchup (for meat mixture)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, eggs, diced onion, 1/3 cup ketchup, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until just combined.
3. Shape into a loaf on the baking sheet or in a loaf pan, about 2 inches high.
4. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup ketchup and brown sugar. Spread half over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove and spread the remaining glaze over top. Bake for another 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so the juices redistribute and don’t leak out.
For an extra twist, try adding shredded cheese into the mix or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 125mg