Chef johns meatball inspired meatloaf –Hey y’all! Today I’m bringing you a recipe that’s gonna warm your heart and fill your belly: Chef John’s Classic Meatloaf. We’re talking about a real comfort food masterpiece that’s so good, it deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame. So grab your apron, and let’s get to work on this delicious dish!
Feast Your Eyes on This
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, check out this mouthwatering photo of the finished product. You’re gonna want to make this!

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this classic meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Mix it up really well – use your hands for that homey touch!
- Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan, shaping it into a nice loaf. Don’t forget to pour that extra 1/4 cup of ketchup on top for a sweet, tangy glaze that takes this to the next level.
- Bake it in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it’s cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Once it’s good and baked, let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape when you serve it up.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy this classic meatloaf with your favorite sides – think mashed potatoes or green beans!
And there you have it! An easy and delicious classic meatloaf recipe that you can share with family and friends. Get ready for some compliments, ‘cause this one’s a stunner!