Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment.
Mix meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and ½ cup ketchup. Mix gently—don’t overwork or it will be dense.
Shape & bake: Form into a loaf and place in the prepared pan.
Make glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half on top of the meatloaf.
Bake 55–65 minutes. About 10 minutes before it’s done, spread the rest of the glaze on top.
Rest & serve: Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.
👉 This is that comforting, retro-style meatloaf people have been serving at family dinners for decades. Always perfect with mashed potatoes and green beans on the side.
Would you like me to also share a “grandma’s twist” version (with oats instead of breadcrumbs, which was common 50 years ago)?
