Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, onion, garlic, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  3. Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
  4. Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle additional cheese if desired.
  5. Place the loaf pan in the oven (optional: on a baking sheet) and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving for optimal juiciness.