Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Classic Onion‑Topped Meatloaf

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A comforting meatloaf topped with caramelized onions and a savory glaze—an upgraded take on a classic dish that brings homestyle flavors to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large onion (half sliced for topping, half diced for meat mixture)
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or barbecue sauce (for glaze variation)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet.
  2. In a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté sliced onions with a pinch of salt until caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in the prepared pan or on the baking sheet.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup or tomato sauce, brown sugar, and optional mustard or BBQ sauce. Brush half of the glaze over the loaf.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Brush the remaining glaze over the loaf, top with caramelized onions, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F (71 °C).
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and moisture.
  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense loaf.
  • Check temperature early if baking free-form; it may cook faster.
  • Make the glaze ahead for convenience—store refrigerated up to 2 days.
  • Add finely diced veggies like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg