Meatloaf. The name itself might sound a bit…meaty. But when done right, meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. This easy meatloaf recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish that’s incredibly satisfying, cozy, and downright delicious. Perfect for family dinners and even better as leftovers (meatloaf sandwiches, anyone?), this is the traditional homemade meatloaf recipe you’ve been searching for. Expect a tender, juicy loaf packed with flavor, topped with a tangy tomato glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a plate of pure, unadulterated comfort.
This classic meatloaf recipe is not just easy to make; it’s also rigorously tested in our test kitchen to ensure it’s foolproof and delicious every single time. With countless 5-star reviews, it’s a reader favorite and a personal staple. You can count on this recipe to deliver perfect meatloaf, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out.
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Meatloaf
This homemade meatloaf recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The foundation of our meatloaf. For the best flavor and moisture, use 80/20 ground beef (20% fat). The fat content is crucial for keeping the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Onion: Adds a subtle savory depth to the meatloaf. Finely minced onion is key for even flavor distribution.
- Breadcrumbs: These are essential for soaking up moisture from the beef, milk, and egg, resulting in a wonderfully tender and moist meatloaf. Plain breadcrumbs work best.
- Milk: The secret ingredient! Milk adds moisture and contributes to the tender texture of the meatloaf. Don’t skip it!
- Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together when sliced. It also adds richness, flavor, and moisture.
- Seasoning: Simple yet impactful. We use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the natural beef flavor without overpowering it.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Used in both the meatloaf and the glaze, Worcestershire sauce provides a savory umami flavor with a touch of sweetness, adding complexity to the overall taste.
- Ketchup: The base for our classic tangy-sweet glaze. Ketchup creates that signature meatloaf topping we all love.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the ketchup in the glaze and gives it a beautiful glossy finish.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds depth and a subtle savory note to the glaze, complementing the sweetness and tanginess.
The Unsung Hero: Milk – Your Secret to Moist Meatloaf
Milk might seem like an unusual ingredient in meatloaf, but it’s the magic touch for achieving that perfect tender texture. Hydrating the breadcrumbs with milk before mixing them into the meatloaf makes a world of difference. These milk-soaked breadcrumbs ensure that the meatloaf stays incredibly moist and tender throughout baking.
During recipe testing, we even experimented by omitting milk from one batch. The result? A noticeably denser, drier, and tougher meatloaf compared to the milk-infused version. The difference was undeniable. So, trust us, don’t skip the milk! For those avoiding dairy, non-dairy milk alternatives should work just as well.
Baking Pan Dilemma: Loaf Pan or Baking Sheet?
When it comes to baking meatloaf, you have two main options: a loaf pan or a baking sheet. While personal preference plays a role, there are some key differences to consider.
We lean towards using a baking sheet. Baking on a sheet pan allows for better air circulation around the meatloaf, promoting more even cooking and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy. Loaf pans can sometimes trap moisture, leading to a slightly “soupy” bottom. A baking sheet encourages evaporation, resulting in a perfectly juicy yet firm meatloaf.
However, if you prefer a more defined, loaf-like shape with straight edges, a loaf pan might be your go-to. It really comes down to whether you prioritize shape or slightly enhanced texture. For this recipe, we recommend shaping the meatloaf on a baking sheet for optimal results.
Expert Tips to Prevent Meatloaf From Falling Apart
Nobody wants a crumbly meatloaf! Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your meatloaf holds together beautifully and slices perfectly:
- Use a Well-Balanced Recipe: The right ratio of binders (egg and breadcrumbs) is crucial. This recipe is specifically formulated to provide the perfect balance, acting as the “glue” to bind the meat together.
- Finely Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with a finer grind or consider using double-ground beef. Coarsely ground beef can have trouble binding properly with the other ingredients, increasing the risk of crumbling when sliced.
- Mince Onions Finely: Large chunks of onion can interfere with the meatloaf’s structural integrity. Mincing the onion as finely as possible ensures it distributes evenly and doesn’t weaken the loaf.
What to Serve Alongside Your Meatloaf Masterpiece
Meatloaf is a versatile main dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Our classic favorites, pictured here, are creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. This combination is the epitome of comfort food!
However, don’t feel limited to just these options. Swap out the green beans for other vegetables like roasted broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or honey balsamic glazed carrots. For an even heartier meal, consider serving meatloaf with starchy sides like macaroni and cheese, potato salad, or garlic bread instead of mashed potatoes. The possibilities are endless, and meatloaf is delicious with almost anything!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Meatloaf
Ready to make this classic meatloaf recipe? Follow these simple step-by-step instructions:
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Preheat Oven & Prep Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To avoid overmixing the meat later (which can lead to a tough meatloaf), we’ll pre-mix some ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Finely mince the onion.
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Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, milk mixture, breadcrumb mixture, and minced onion. Use your hands to mix everything until just evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Shape the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf mixture on a rimmed baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches tall.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze.
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Glaze the Meatloaf: Generously spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the shaped meatloaf.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C).
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Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
More Ground Beef Recipes to Explore
Love ground beef? Here are a few more delicious and budget-friendly recipes you might enjoy:
- Easy Homemade Meatballs
- Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
- Classic Homemade Chili
- Sloppy Joes
Enjoy making this classic homemade meatloaf! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 7 slices
Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup minced onion
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Equipment:
- Meat Thermometer
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. In another small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mince the onion.
- In a large bowl, add ground beef, egg mixture, breadcrumb mixture, and minced onion. Gently mix with hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Place meatloaf mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and shape into a loaf (approx. 8x4x2 inches).
- In a small bowl, whisk together glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Spread glaze evenly over meatloaf.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 328kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 21g
- Sodium: 676mg
- Fiber: 1g
By following this guide, you’ll be able to create a truly delicious and satisfying homemade meatloaf that will become a family favorite. Enjoy!
