You know this meatloaf is bomb when all the kids gobble it up!

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a small skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and removes any raw bite from the onion, giving your meatloaf a deeper, more savory taste. Set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Use your hands (or a spoon if you prefer) to mix everything together until it’s well incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a free-form loaf on the baking sheet. The key to a perfect meatloaf is making sure it’s evenly shaped so that it cooks uniformly.
5. Glaze the Meatloaf: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar. Spread a generous layer of this glaze over the top of the meatloaf. This gives it a sweet and tangy finish that the kids love (and let’s be honest, it makes it even more delicious!).
6. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer is your best friend here.
7. Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures your meatloaf stays juicy and tender.

Why This Meatloaf Is a Family Favorite:

• Flavor Packed: The blend of onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and herbs makes every bite of this meatloaf bursting with flavor. The subtle sweetness of the brown sugar in the glaze also adds a nice contrast to the savory beef, making it irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
• Perfectly Moist: The addition of milk and breadcrumbs keeps this meatloaf incredibly moist, so it’s never dry or crumbly. You won’t have to worry about it falling apart on the plate. Even the kids, who can be picky about texture, will love every bite!
• Kid-Approved: Let’s face it: kids can be tough critics, especially when it comes to meals they’re not familiar with. But this meatloaf? They’ll gobble it up every time. The sweet glaze and tender texture make it a winner with little ones, and the subtle depth of flavor will keep adults coming back for more.
• Great for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and I mean lucky), this meatloaf makes amazing sandwiches the next day. Simply slice it up and slap it between two pieces of bread with some extra ketchup or mustard, and you’ve got a perfect lunch!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your family’s preferences. Add a handful of grated cheese to the meat mixture for extra gooey goodness or toss in some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for the Best Meatloaf:

• Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meat mixture, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf, and that’s the last thing you want. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For the juiciest, most tender meatloaf, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This ensures that the meatloaf is cooked perfectly every time.
• Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it hold together when you slice it and ensures it stays juicy.

Final Thoughts:

This Classic Meatloaf is truly a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s a simple, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. If you’re tired of hearing complaints at the dinner table, give this recipe a try—trust me, when the kids gobble up three servings and ask for more, you’ll know you’ve found a winner! It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with all the classic meatloaf goodness that everyone loves. Get ready for a meal that will have your family coming back for seconds (and thirds)!