Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan
In a large bowl, mix ground beef (2 lb) with:
Breadcrumbs (1 cup)
Finely chopped onion (1/2 cup)
Minced garlic (2 cloves)
Eggs (2)
Milk (1/2 cup)
Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp)
Ketchup (1/4 cup)
Salt (1 1/2 tsp)
Black pepper (1 tsp)
Optional: chopped parsley (2 tbsp) and/or dried thyme (1 tsp)
Mix until just combined (avoid overmixing)
Shape into a loaf (about 9×5 inches) and place on the prepared pan
Mix topping in a small bowl:
Ketchup (1/2 cup)
Brown sugar (2 tbsp)
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (1 tbsp)
Optional: Dijon mustard (1 tbsp)
Spread topping over the loaf
Bake 55–70 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)
Rest 10 minutes before slicing
Optional: For a crispier top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely)