Smith's Classic Beef Meatloaf with Herb Glaze
A comforting American staple with a tangy herb glaze, featuring a blend of ground beef and pantry staples for perfect texture. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely diced onion, 1 egg, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme. Gently mix until just combined—do not overwork the meat.
- Step 2: Press mixture into a greased loaf pan, then smooth the top. Mix 3 tbsp ketchup with 1 tbsp brown sugar and brush evenly over the meatloaf.
- Step 3: Bake for 50-55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbling at the edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Classic Beef Meatloaf with Herb Glaze 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's Classic Beef Meatloaf with Herb Glaze?
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's Classic Beef Meatloaf with Herb Glaze?
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's Classic Beef Meatloaf with Herb Glaze 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's Classic Beef Meatloaf with Herb Glaze?
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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
