Slow-Baked Smith Beef Meatloaf
A comforting, tender meatloaf with a savory glaze, featuring ground beef and aromatic vegetables baked to perfection. This american-inspired beef ready in about 70 minutes pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 finely diced onion
- 1 grated carrot
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 finely diced onion, 1 grated carrot, 3 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
- Step 2: Press the mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the top is lightly browned.
- Step 3: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra ketchup on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Baked Smith 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 Slow-Baked Smith 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 Slow-Baked Smith 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 Slow-Baked Smith 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 Slow-Baked Smith 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfectly moist and flavorful, as promised.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this meatloaf last night!
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids asked for seconds.
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