Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan or set up a shallow baking sheet with a rack. Easy cleanup is the dream here.
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Don’t overwork it—gentle is the name of the game.
Shape the mixture into a loaf on the pan. If you’re feeling fancy, pat it into a neat rectangle for even cooking.
Combine glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Brush half over the top of the loaf.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the center reads 160°F (71°C). Halfway through, brush on the remaining glaze for a shiny finish.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and easy to plate.