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Lamb Meatloaf

Lamb Meatloaf

Mixed Meat Loaf with Caramelized Onion Base

Ground lamb joins forces with beef in this deeply savory meatloaf that starts with properly caramelized onions and garlic. The result is richer and more complex than your standard dinner table version, with herbs that complement the lamb's natural earthiness.

AmericanDinnerComfort FoodMeal PrepBakingBeefLamb
Prep15 min
Cook1 hr 5 min
Total1 hr 20 min
Servings6
Difficultyeasy

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cupdry breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
  • ½ tspkosher salt
  • ¼ tspfreshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lbground chuck or 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 lbground lamb, preferably shoulder
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1 mediumyellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced fine
  • 1 tspdried thyme
  • 1 tspdried basil
  • ½ cupketchup, preferably Heinz
  • 1 tbspWorcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Get your oven heating to 350°F. This moderate temperature ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly without drying out the exterior.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion along with the thyme and basil, cooking until the onion turns golden and sweet — about 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant. This aromantic base is what separates great meatloaf from mediocre. Let it cool for a few minutes before mixing.
  3. Crack the eggs into your largest mixing bowl and beat them well. Stir in the breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, letting the breadcrumbs absorb the egg mixture.
  4. Add both the ground beef and lamb to the bowl, breaking them up with your hands as you go. Pour in the cooled onion mixture and distribute it evenly.
  5. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, then mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Don't overwork it — you want the mixture cohesive but not dense.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, gently pressing it down to eliminate air pockets but not compacting it too firmly. Level the top with your hands.
  7. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, typically 60 to 65 minutes. The top should be nicely browned and the loaf should start pulling slightly from the pan edges.
    ⏱ 1 hr 5 min
  8. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes — this firms it up for cleaner slicing. Carefully pour off any accumulated fat, then slice and serve.
    ⏱ 5 min