Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup dried minced onions
- ⅔ cup crushed wheat crackers
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (yellow preferred, made with plant-based rennet)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons Coles Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly and stays juicy inside. - Make the glaze.
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. It’ll look glossy and smell amazing. Set half aside for topping later. - Combine the meat mixture.
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, eggs, dried onions, crushed crackers, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and the remaining half of the glaze. Use your hands to mix everything gently. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so stop once it’s just combined. - Shape and press.
Transfer the mixture to your loaf pan and press it in evenly. If you’re shaping it by hand, make sure it’s compact but not overly packed—this helps it cook evenly. - Top with glaze.
Spread the reserved glaze evenly over the top. This layer will caramelize as it bakes, creating that crave-worthy sticky-sweet topping. - Bake to perfection.
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 1 to 1 ¼ hours. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check that the juices run clear. - Let it rest.
Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps your slices neat.
Notes
When it comes to serving meatloaf, it’s all about those cozy sides. Mashed potatoes are a must—they soak up the glaze perfectly. Add some roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for balance.
For a polished presentation, slice the meatloaf carefully and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra pop of color. You could even drizzle a little extra glaze over the top for good measure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner