Ingredients
– 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon mustard
Equipment Needed
– Large mixing bowl
– Loaf pan
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mixing spoon or spatula
– Baking sheet (optional, for overflow)
– Knife (for chopping onion)
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In my kitchen, I find that letting the oven warm up while I prepare the ingredients helps set the perfect baking environment. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, ketchup, eggs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. I like to use my hands to mix it all together; it feels more personal, and you can truly feel the ingredients coming together. Make sure everything is well combined but don’t over-mix—I find that helps the meatloaf to stay wonderfully tender. (See the next page below to continue steps…)