Smith Family Classic Meatloaf

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

A comforting, savory meatloaf with a sweet-tangy glaze, featuring the most common surname in American history. Perfect for family dinners. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 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 320 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: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 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 ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Step 2: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, pressing evenly into corners. Spread remaining 1 tbsp ketchup mixed with 1 tsp brown sugar over the top to form a glaze.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 50-55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the edges are golden brown, basting once halfway through with pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith Family Classic Meatloaf take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 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 Smith Family Classic 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 Smith Family Classic 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 Smith Family Classic 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 Smith Family Classic 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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