Family Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic meatloaf with a crispy herb crust, baked in a single pan for easy weeknight dinner. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 70 minutes, pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Step 2: Transfer mixture to a loaf pan and shape into a loaf. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to make a glaze.
  3. Step 3: Spread glaze evenly over the meatloaf, then bake for 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. The crust should be golden-brown and crisp, with juicy meat inside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Family Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Family Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Family Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Family Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Family Herb-Crusted Beef Meatloaf?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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