Smith's Simple Meatloaf with Herb Glaze

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

A comforting, family-friendly meatloaf with a tangy herb glaze, inspired by the most common American surname. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 60 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: 40 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. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Mix gently with hands until just combined—do not overmix.
  2. Step 2: Transfer mixture to a greased loaf pan. Bake for 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the edges are golden brown.
  3. Step 3: While baking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Brush half of the herb glaze over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  4. Step 4: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Simple Meatloaf with Herb Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Simple 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 Simple 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 Simple 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 Simple Meatloaf with Herb Glaze?

American kid friendly 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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