The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Looking for the perfect meatloaf recipe? This classic meatloaf recipe brings together simple ingredients for a deliciously comforting family meal. Whether you're craving that nostalgic homemade taste or trying your hand at making meatloaf for the first time, this recipe delivers consistently amazing results. With its perfect blend of seasonings and a tangy glaze, this easy-to-follow recipe will become your go-to dinner option for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Ingredients for the Perfect Meatloaf Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • Substitute: ground turkey for a leaner option
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Substitute: crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon each: garlic powder, salt
• ½ teaspoon each: black pepper, dried thyme

Glaze Ingredients

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Meatloaf Recipe :Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Ingredients

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper
   • Pro tip: Leave extra paper hanging over sides for easy removal
3. Finely chop onions and any additional vegetables
   • Time-saving tip: Use a food processor for quick, even chopping

Mixing and Forming the Meatloaf

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, and eggs
2. Add onion, milk, ketchup, and all seasonings
3. Mix gently with hands until just combined
   • Important: Don't overmix or your meatloaf will be tough
4. Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan
5. Shape into a loaf, pressing gently
   • Shape tip: Create a slight dome for even cooking

Baking Your Meatloaf

1. Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl
2. Spread half the glaze over meatloaf
3. Bake for 45 minutes
4. Add remaining glaze
5. Bake additional 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F
   • Doneness tip: Always use a meat thermometer for perfect results

Classic Meatloaf Recipe

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is a hearty, comforting main course with a savory glaze. Made with ground beef, pork, and simple seasonings, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Ready in under an hour, this easy meatloaf will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 290kcal

Equipment

• 9x5 inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon each: garlic powder salt
• ½ teaspoon each: black pepper dried thyme
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preparing Your Ingredients

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper
• Pro tip: Leave extra paper hanging over sides for easy removal
• Finely chop onions and any additional vegetables
• Time-saving tip: Use a food processor for quick, even chopping

Mixing and Forming the Meatloaf

• In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, and eggs
• Add onion, milk, ketchup, and all seasonings
• Mix gently with hands until just combined
• Important: Don't overmix or your meatloaf will be tough
• Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan
• Shape into a loaf, pressing gently
• Shape tip: Create a slight dome for even cooking

Baking Your Meatloaf

• Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl
• Spread half the glaze over meatloaf
• Bake for 45 minutes
• Add remaining glaze
• Bake additional 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F
• Doneness tip: Always use a meat thermometer for perfect results

Notes

• Don't overmix meat mixture
• Let rest before slicing
• Use meat thermometer for doneness
• For turkey version: use lean ground turkey

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 670mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

Health Benefits

• High-protein meal (25g per serving)
• Good source of B vitamins and iron
• Can be made leaner with turkey
• Includes vegetables for added nutrients

Serving Ideas

• Classic: Mashed potatoes and green beans
• Modern: Roasted vegetables and quinoa
• Comfort: Mac and cheese with peas
• Leftovers: Meatloaf sandwiches

Recipe Variations

Turkey Meatloaf Version

• Use lean ground turkey
• Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Increase seasonings by 25%
• Add ¼ cup finely diced bell peppers

Cracker Barrel Style Version

• Use crushed Ritz crackers
• Add diced celery and carrots
• Double the glaze recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe is your ticket to a delicious, satisfying family meal. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can create a perfectly tender and flavorful meatloaf every time. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover why it's become a favorite among home cooks everywhere.

Don't forget to leave a comment below sharing how your meatloaf turned out!

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