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Amish Meatloaf

This Amish Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that's both tender and packed with rich, savory flavor. Topped with a sweet-tangy glaze, it delivers a perfect balance of juicy meat and caramelized topping, making it ideal for a hearty family dinner or delicious leftovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 cup fresh bread crumbs or crushed saltine crackers
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper finely chopped, optional
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Sauce Topping
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard yellow or Dijon
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 cup of bread crumbs (or crushed saltine crackers), 1 finely chopped medium onion, and 1 finely chopped small green bell pepper (if using).
  3. Add 2 large eggs and 1 cup of milk to the mixture. Season with 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix everything together until just combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a smooth, even loaf.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to create the sweet-tangy glaze.
  6. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, then bake in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (about 55-65 minutes). If desired, use the remaining glaze during the last few minutes of baking for extra flavor.

Notes

This Amish Meatloaf recipe is versatile and forgiving. You can substitute crushed crackers for bread crumbs or even use ground turkey for a lighter version. The glaze can be swapped for barbecue or tomato sauce if you’re in the mood for a different flavor profile. It makes a comforting meal when paired with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.