This beef meatloaf is moist and tender, with sweet caramelized onions and a grated apple mixed in, topped with a tangy ketchup, brown sugar and Dijon glaze.
Keeping Meatloaf Moist Without Milk
Many meatloaf recipes soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Here they soak in warm chicken stock instead, which keeps the loaf tender without dairy. Cook the onions slowly until deep golden; they add sweetness and moisture. Grated apple adds more moisture and a subtle sweetness. Mix gently and don’t pack the loaf too tightly. Bake until the center reaches 160°F.
Kosher Notes
This is a meat (fleishig) recipe with no dairy. Use challah or pareve bread for the breadcrumbs and kosher chicken stock.
Make-Ahead
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, adding 10 to 15 minutes if baking from cold. Leftovers keep for 4 days and make great sandwiches; cooked meatloaf freezes for 3 months.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, combine warm chicken stock and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 minutes until breadcrumbs absorb all the liquid.
- In another small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set glaze aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, cooled caramelized onions, beaten eggs, grated apple, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix with your hands until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking sheet and shape into a 9x5-inch loaf. Make sure the surface is smooth and even.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then brush the top and sides with half of the glaze. Continue baking for another 25-30 minutes.
- Brush with remaining glaze and bake for final 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute and makes slicing much easier.
- Slice with a sharp knife and serve immediately.
Notes
Get a Shabbat menu every Thursday
A main, sides and a dessert from our kitchen, all kosher together and ready to cook. Free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
One email a week. We never share your address. Privacy policy

