1-Making this meatloaf is straightforward and fun, starting with preheating your oven to get things going. First, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easy and promote even cooking. This step sets the stage for a loaf with crispy edges that everyone loves.

2-Next, sauté the finely chopped onion in 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it’s soft and golden this enhances the flavor and texture. Let it cool a bit before mixing. In a large bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef, the sautéed onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix lightly to avoid tough meat.

3-Shape the mixture into an 8x4x3-inch loaf on the baking sheet. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes to start. While it bakes, whip up the glaze by mixing 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 bake, spread the glaze evenly over the top.

4-Return it to the oven for another 20 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 160°F (or 165°F for poultry mixes). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to lock in juices. Total prep is just 15 minutes, with cooking at about 1 hour 5 minutes, making this a quick win for home cooks and students alike.