Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Heat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix 1½–2 pounds ground beef (or beef/pork mix) with 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltines, ½ cup milk, 1–2 beaten eggs, ½ small onion grated or minced fine, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tablespoons ketchup or BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and optional ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or thyme. Mix with your hands just until combined — don't squeeze it to death.

2. 2

   Shape into a free-form loaf on a parchment-lined sheet (or pack into a loaf pan, leaving a little room). Mix the glaze: ⅓ cup ketchup, 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard or vinegar, optional dash of hot sauce. Spread half on top.

3. 3

   Bake 50–65 minutes until the center hits 160°F and the glaze is set and sticky. Brush on the remaining glaze in the last 10–15 minutes. Rest 10 minutes before slicing so it doesn't crumble.

4. 4

   Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and the pan juices. You want moist Southern meatloaf with a sticky ketchup glaze — not a dry crumbly brick or a raw pink center.