Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a hearty meal for a family gathering, this classic meatloaf recipe is the perfect choice. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. With a tender, juicy interior and a deliciously glazed exterior, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s also easy to customize to suit your tastes, making it a versatile go-to recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Readers Will Love This Meatloaf Recipe
This meatloaf recipe has everything you need for a delicious meal that the whole family will love. The balance of tender ground beef, flavorful seasoning, and a tangy ketchup glaze makes every bite mouthwatering. The texture is moist and juicy without being greasy, thanks to the combination of breadcrumbs and eggs, which also help bind everything together.
What makes this meatloaf recipe stand out is its simplicity. You can prepare it in just a few steps with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s highly customizable. You can add extra vegetables, like diced onions or bell peppers, or swap out the ketchup glaze for BBQ sauce for a different twist.
Not only does this meatloaf taste incredible, but it also reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. You can serve it alongside mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a salad for a wholesome meal that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 for moisture)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or Italian)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
Recipe Tips
- Use Lean Meat: For a less greasy meatloaf, opt for leaner ground beef, like 90/10 or 93/7, although 80/20 gives a better balance of flavor and moisture.
- Moisture is Key: To keep your meatloaf moist, don’t skimp on the milk or breadcrumbs. These ingredients help retain moisture as the meatloaf bakes.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatloaf, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Glaze It Up: For an extra burst of flavor, brush the meatloaf with the glaze halfway through baking. This gives it a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and prevents the meatloaf from falling apart when slicing.
Make-Ahead Tips
Making meatloaf ahead of time is not only convenient but it can also enhance the flavors. To make this meatloaf in advance, prepare the entire loaf, including the glaze, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. The seasonings have time to meld, resulting in a richer flavor. When ready to cook, simply preheat the oven and bake the meatloaf as directed.
For even more convenience, you can freeze the uncooked meatloaf. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual.
Another make-ahead tip is to prepare the glaze ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, so you can quickly brush it onto the meatloaf before baking.
Tips for Making a Better Meatloaf
1. Use a Blend of Meats
While beef is traditional, you can improve the flavor and texture of your meatloaf by using a combination of meats. Mixing in some ground pork, veal, or turkey can add moisture and flavor depth. For example, a 50/50 mix of ground beef and pork creates a balanced flavor and a juicy texture that’s hard to beat.
2. Don’t Skip the Egg and Breadcrumbs
Eggs and breadcrumbs are essential for holding the meatloaf together. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The egg helps bind everything together while adding richness, ensuring a tender texture.
3. Try Add-ins for Extra Flavor
One of the best parts of making meatloaf is that you can customize it with different flavor boosters. Add-ins like diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even crumbled cooked bacon can elevate your meatloaf. Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a more fragrant loaf, or add some heat with chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Pour the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or vegetables and enjoy!