Classic Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbground beef (85/15)$8.57
• 0.75 cupplain breadcrumbs$0.59
• 1 eachlarge eggs$0.60
• 0.75 eachyellow onion, finely diced$0.74
• 0.33 cupwhole milk$0.13
• 1.5 tbspWorcestershire sauce$0.30
• 0.33 cupketchup$0.52
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.01
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.07
• 0.75 tspdried thyme$0.10
• Total for 4 servings$11.63

Most of the cost is ground beef (85/15) ($8.57) and yellow onion, finely diced ($0.74). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $10.73. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large egg, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1.5 tablespoons of the ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme until uniform.
3. Stir the plain breadcrumbs and finely diced yellow onion into the liquid mixture, then let sit for 3 to 5 minutes so the crumbs absorb moisture.
4. Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands or a fork until just incorporated, taking care not to compact the meat.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into an 8x4-inch loaf, then spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the center reads 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is set.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the meatloaf rest undisturbed for 10 minutes so the juices reabsorb into the meat.
8. Transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board, slice into thick portions, and serve warm.