The Common Surname Meatloaf
A comforting classic reimagined with sweet-tangy glaze and aromatic herbs, representing the heart of American home cooking. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, bread crumbs, medium 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
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1 medium finely diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Mix gently with hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Step 2: Press mixture evenly into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F and top is golden brown.
- Step 3: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Serve with extra ketchup if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Common Surname 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 The Common Surname 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 The Common Surname 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 The Common Surname 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 The Common Surname Meatloaf?
American one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
