Garlic Herb Meatloaf
A tender, herb-infused meatloaf with a golden crust, perfect for a comforting family meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 85 minutes pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, (beaten) eggs 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 (beaten) eggs
- 3 (minced) garlic cloves
- 1 (finely chopped) onion
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped onion, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Press down gently to compact the mixture.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup ketchup with 1 tbsp water. Spread the mixture over the top of the loaf.
- Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes until the loaf is firm and the top is golden and crispy. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic Herb Meatloaf take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (25 min prep + 60 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 Garlic Herb 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 Garlic Herb 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 Garlic Herb 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 Garlic Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Love how the American come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
