Serious Herb-Infused Meatloaf

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

A deeply flavorful meatloaf with fresh herbs and a tangy glaze, cooked to perfection for a centerpiece that demands attention. This American-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 80 minutes, pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp coarse salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overwork the meat.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the edges are golden brown.
  3. Step 3: While baking, whisk together 2 tbsp ketchup and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the glaze evenly over the top. Return to oven for 10 minutes to set the glaze and deepen the color.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Serious Herb-Infused Meatloaf take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 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 Serious Herb-Infused 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 Serious Herb-Infused 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 Serious Herb-Infused 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 Serious Herb-Infused Meatloaf?

American quick meals 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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