If you’ve been searching for the Best Meatloaf Recipe, you’ve found it. Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food that has been gracing dinner tables for decades. This recipe combines the perfect balance of savory flavors, tender texture, and a mouthwatering glaze that will make everyone come back for seconds.
Whether it’s a family gathering, weeknight dinner, or holiday feast, this meatloaf recipe is simple to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s walk through how to make it step-by-step, with a handy ingredient chart and expert tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
Why This Is the Best Meatloaf Recipe
- Juicy & Tender – Balanced fat content in the meat ensures it stays moist.
- Flavorful Seasoning – A mix of herbs, spices, and aromatics gives it depth.
- Perfect Glaze – A sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully on top.
- Easy to Customize – Works with beef, pork, turkey, or a mix.
Ingredients For The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients Table For Best Meatloaf Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 2 lbs | Or mix with pork/turkey for variety |
| Bread crumbs | 1 cup | Can use panko or crushed crackers |
| Milk | 1 cup | Any dairy or plant-based milk works |
| Eggs | 2 large | Acts as a binder |
| Onion (finely diced) | 1 medium | Sauté for a sweeter flavor |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Fresh is best, but powder works |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp | Adds umami richness |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup | Half for mixture, half for glaze |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp | For glaze sweetness |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp | Optional – adds tang |
| Salt | 1 ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp | Freshly ground for best flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small skillet, sauté the diced onion in a teaspoon of oil until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Let it cool slightly.
2. Mix the Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
- Add the eggs, sautéed onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup ketchup, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until combined.
- Add the ground beef and gently mix by hand or with a spoon. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape & Bake
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a loaf pan.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf about 8 inches long.
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
4. Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- After 35 minutes of baking, remove meatloaf and brush with glaze.
- Return to oven for another 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Rest & Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
- Don’t Overmix – Mixing too much makes the meatloaf dense.
- Use Fatty Meat – An 80/20 ground beef ratio gives the best texture.
- Let It Rest – Cutting too soon will release the juices.
- Customize the flavors – try adding shredded cheese, Mushrooms, or different herbs
- Freezer Friendly – You can freeze uncooked meatloaf for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
Values will vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.)
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Comfort: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Low-Carb Option: Pair with roasted cauliflower and a side salad.
- Sandwich Style: Use cold slices for next-day meatloaf sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
Yes. You can substitute oats, crushed crackers, or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Q2: How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
Make sure you include enough binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs, and let it rest before slicing.
Q3: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well, but add a bit more moisture (like extra milk or grated zucchini) to prevent dryness.
Conclusion
This best meatloaf recipe delivers everything you want in a hearty, home-cooked meal—moist texture, rich flavor, and a perfectly caramelized glaze. With its simple ingredients, customizable options, and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether served fresh out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, this meatloaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.