What you'll need
- 3/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Method
Soak the breadcrumbs
Heat the oven to 350°F. Stir the breadcrumbs and milk together in a large bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to form a paste.
Mix gently
Add the beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix with your hands just until combined. Overmixing makes the meatloaf dense.
Shape the loaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf about 9 by 5 inches on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Baking it free-form lets the sides brown and glaze.
Glaze and bake
Whisk the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Spread half over the loaf and bake for 35 minutes. Spread on the remaining glaze and bake for 20 to 25 minutes more, until the center reads 160°F.
Rest and slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds together.
Meatloaf makes the best sandwich in America. Slice leftovers thick, griddle them in butter, and serve on white bread with more glaze.