Description
This Meatloaf Casserole is pure cozy comfort food a tender, juicy meatloaf base baked in a casserole dish and finished with a sweet‑savory ketchup glaze. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet satisfying and nostalgic enough to serve when you’re craving a classic homestyle dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Use clean hands or a large spoon to mix until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix so the meatloaf stays tender.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf down the center, leaving space around the sides for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup and brown sugar until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf loaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use 85–90% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness.
- If your mixture feels too wet, add 2–3 tablespoons more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash more milk.
- Chop the onion and bell pepper finely so they soften fully while baking and blend into the meatloaf.
- You can halve the brown sugar for a less sweet glaze, or swap in honey or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: meatloaf casserole, baked meatloaf, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef casserole