Classic Glazed Beef Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground chuck (80/20)
• 3 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Before you cook

• Tear the bread into small pieces and soak them in the milk in a large bowl for 10 minutes, then mash to a paste with a fork.
• Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
• Stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and dry mustard in a small bowl to make the glaze.

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat, add the onion and garlic, and cook for 6 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Scrape the cooked onion into the bowl of soaked bread and let it cool for 5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and thyme until smooth.
5. Add the ground chuck and mix with your hands just until combined, stopping as soon as no dry streaks remain.
6. Turn the mixture onto the foil-lined sheet and pat it into a loaf about nine inches long and four inches wide.
7. Brush half the glaze over the top and sides of the loaf.
8. Bake for 45 minutes.
9. Brush on the remaining glaze and bake another 25 to 30 minutes, until the center reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before slicing it into thick slabs.