Garlic Herb Meatloaf

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

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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 60 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). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Press down gently to compact the mixture.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup ketchup with 1 tbsp water. Spread the mixture over the top of the loaf.
  5. 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.

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.

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