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Healthy Tender Juicy Meatloaf Recipe

A perfectly moist, tender, flavor-packed meatloaf made with the ideal beef-to-fat ratio, sautéed onions, and a rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped and sautéed
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Sauté chopped onions in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft and translucent.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk milk, eggs, half the ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Let mixture sit 5 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
  5. Add ground beef, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
  6. Gently fold ingredients together without overmixing.
  7. Shape mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Whisk remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze.
  9. Spread glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  10. Bake 65–75 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. Rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat—gentle handling keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy. Always use 80–85% lean beef to prevent dryness.