1-Diving into this meatloaf recipe feels like a fun kitchen adventure that’s simple enough for beginners. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. This step sets the stage for a meal that bakes up just right.

2-Next, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until it’s softened and golden; let it cool before mixing. In a large bowl, combine the 2 pounds ground beef, sautéed onions, 2 large eggs, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which helps keep it tender.

3-Shape the mixture into a loaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall on the baking sheet, then bake uncovered for 40 minutes. While it cooks, mix together the sauce: 3/4 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder in a small bowl. After the initial baking, spread this sauce over the meatloaf and bake for another 20 minutes or until it reaches 160°F (71°C) internally. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to lock in those juices. For adaptations, like vegan versions, swap beef for plant-based meat and use flaxseed meal instead of eggs.