Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef (I use 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- ½ cup ketchup, divided
Equipment Needed
- One standard rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan, approx. 13×18 inches)
- Large mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
- Measuring cups
- Fork or spatula for mixing
Step-by-Step Instructions
My process always starts with the pan. I line my sheet pan with a large piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper—this is my non-negotiable cleanup hack. Trust me, you do not want to scrub baked-on meatloaf glaze off a sheet pan. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the pan get lined up while it heats. Then, in my large mixing bowl, I add the ground beef. I’ve found that taking it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before mixing helps it blend more easily without overworking it. I sprinkle the dry onion soup mix right over the top. Don’t skip this packet! It’s our flavor powerhouse, delivering savory onion, garlic, and seasoning in one easy step.(See the next page below to continue steps…)