Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (approx. 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (approx. 1 cup)
- 1 cup (80g) bread crumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole milk preferred, but any will do)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onion, garlic and green pepper in a pan until slightly softened. Let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed vegetables (or raw vegetables), bread crumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined – avoid overmixing.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.