Meatloaf
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Posted: 04/09/24
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Homemade Meatloaf is a hearty dinner that’s so easy to make. This no-fail classic recipe has a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze on top. It’s tender, juicy with so much flavor in each bite. This will be your new go-to recipe!
Everyone needs a great meatloaf recipe and I have got it for you today. This is a classic recipe that is made with simple ingredients and is the best comfort food dinner ever!
We love to serve up classic meatloaf with some stovetop macaroni and cheese on the side for the ultimate comfort food dinner! This is such an easy recipe and the results are amazing! There’s a reason I’ve been making it the same way for years – it’s foolproof and always gets rave reviews.
There’s nothing worse than dry and dense meatloaf – we’ve all experienced it and I can promise with this meatloaf recipe you won’t have that problem! It’s seriously the best ever. Oh, and the leftovers make the best meatloaf sandwiches!
Why You’ll Love this Meatloaf Recipe
- This recipe only requires 10 minutes of prep time. Then let it bake to perfection in the oven!
- Homemade meatloaf can often be dry and flavorless. This recipe is full of flavor, always juicy, and so tasty!
- One meatloaf serves 6! And you can easily double or triple this recipe to make more servings.
Ingredients Needed for Easy Meatloaf Recipe
- Ground beef – Make sure to use 85% lean ground beef because the higher fat percentage will give you more flavor.
- Eggs – Use eggs to help bind the meatloaf together.
- Bread Crumbs – Use Italian flavored bread crumbs for more flavor. If you use regular panko breadcrumbs, add some Italian seasoning.
- Milk – A splash of milk moistens the breadcrumbs and makes your meatloaf nice and juicy.
- Seasonings – Seasoned salt, black pepper and garlic powder flavors this dish so well. You could also use a few fresh cloves garlic if you want a more bold garlic flavor.
- Onion – Peel and the fresh onion chop into a fine dice.
- Ketchup – This will be the main ingredient in your sauce on top of the homemade meatloaf recipe.
- Brown sugar – The perfect sweetness to the ketchup sauce and adds tons of depth to the flavor.
- Prepared yellow mustard – A touch of yellow mustard adds a little tang to the sauce on top.
Helpful Tools
How to Make Meatloaf
Mix the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. The easiest way to do this is with your hands – it makes it easier to mix thoroughly without over-mixing.
Place the ground beef mixture in the prepared loaf pan. Lightly pat it to fit it into the pan. It should be in an even layer.
Make the sauce by combining the ketchup, brown sugar and yellow mustard in a bowl. Then spread the sauce over the loaf in the pan.
Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for one hour to an hour and 15 minutes. The meatloaf is done with the internal temperature is 160°F in the center.
When it’s done baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How Long do you Cook Meatloaf?
This homemade meatloaf recipe is baked in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes.
You will know when the meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
At What Temperature is Meatloaf Done?
The internal recipe of the meatloaf needs be 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. Your meatloaf is safe to eat once it reaches this temperature.
Make sure you have an instant read thermometer so you can test the internal temperature of your meatloaf.
What Should I Serve With Meatloaf?
I love this easy dinner recipe because you can switch up the side dishes every time you make it. It never gets boring!
- Add some potatoes: We love a meat and potato dinner and love smashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or mashed potatoes with this meatloaf.
- Pair it with healthy veggies: If you want something lighter, some simple roasted veggies, crispy broccoli, or tender asparagus are so delicious.
- Pass some bread! You can’t go wrong with some easy homemade breadsticks, crescent rolls, or dinner rolls!
Can I Freeze Meatloaf?
Want to make it ahead? You can assemble the meatloaf and sauce and then freeze it for up to two months. Thaw it fully in the refrigerator and then bake it as instructed.
How to Store Leftover Meatloaf
FRIDGE: Leftover meatloaf will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days. You can place it in an airtight container or wrap the loaf pan tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
FREEZER: Freeze leftover meatloaf in an airtight container, freezer bag, or wrapped tightly in a double wrap of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat it in the microwave or the oven for easy lunches and dinners. You can even reheat leftovers in the air fryer!
Pro Tips for the Best Meatloaf Recipe
- Choose the right ground beef. I think 85% lean is great for meatloaf – the fat adds a ton of moisture and flavor, but it’s not greasy. Just remember that the leaner the beef, the drier it will be when you cook it.
- Use a light hand when you mix and form the loaf and don’t over-mix or compact the meat. If you compress it too much it will end up dense which can make it dry.
- It’s important to let the homemade meatloaf rest. Once it’s baked, letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute back into the meat.
Give this family favorite a try this week and I know you won’t regret it. It turns out perfect every time and the taste incredible! I hope you love this recipe as much as we do.
More Amazing Meatloaf Recipes
Now that you have this classic meatloaf recipe, be sure to try some of our other favorite ways to make it!
- Pinwheel Meatloaf has a wonderful cheesy rice filling, baked, and then sliced for a pretty presentation.
- If you love Italian flavors, be sure to try my easy Italian Meatloaf. It’s loaded with flavor and stuffed with cheese!
- Make a complete meal with Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaves with Veggies!
- Instant Pot Meatloaf is full of incredible flavor. Such an amazing easy dinner recipe!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Homemade Meatloaf
Classic, tender, juicy meatloaf with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze on top!
Video
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 2 eggs whisked
- ½ c. Italian Panko bread crumbs
- ¼ c. milk
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ c. yellow onion chopped
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Glaze
- ⅔ c. ketchup
- ½ c. brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp prepared yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients for meatloaf. Mix until well combined, but do not overmix.
- Add meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Pat meat down into an even layer.
- In a small bowl combine ingredients for sauce and mix until combined. Spread sauce over hamburger mixture in loaf pan.
- Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F. Bake for 1 hr – 1 hr and 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes. Cut into slices.
Tips
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Choose the right ground beef. I think 85% lean is great for meatloaf – the fat adds a ton of moisture and flavor, but it’s not greasy. Just remember that the leaner the beef, the drier it will be when you cook it.
- Don’t skip the eggs! I like to add one egg for every pound of meat. Eggs add a lot of moisture and they also help bind the loaf so it doesn’t fall apart.
- A little bit of milk makes a big difference. I add milk to my meatloaf because it moistens the breadcrumbs which will also help create moisture.
- Use a light hand. When you mix and form the loaf, use a light hand and don’t overmix or compact the meat. If you compress the meat too much it will end up dense which can make it dry.
- Don’t forget the glaze! My simple ketchup glaze is tangy and sweet but it add more than just flavor. It also adds moisture!
- Let it rest. Once it’s baked, it’s very imporatnt to let it rest so the juices can redistribute back into the meat.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 543kcal (27%), Carbohydrates: 43g (14%), Protein: 34g (68%), Fat: 25g (38%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 158mg (53%), Sodium: 916mg (40%), Potassium: 667mg (19%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 27g (30%), Vitamin A: 236IU (5%), Vitamin C: 3mg (4%), Calcium: 106mg (11%), Iron: 5mg (28%)
Daris Hock says
Made for dinner tonight and it was a big hit. The best meatloaf recipe and so easy to make. Thank you for sharing.
Sarah Hill says
You’re welcome! I’m so happy it was a big hit for the family! Thanks so much for commenting and rating!
Susan says
Made this just as advertised, with exception of substituting sugar free syrup for the brown sugar in the glaze. I also added a dash of chili powder and it’s perfect! I’ve made it several times since finding it and always is a hit. Thanks!
Julie Evink says
Wonderful to hear Susan! So glad you can adapt it to your liking!
Susan says
I made this meatloaf today for lunch, just as written and it was so good ! Recipe going into our rotation immediately.
Thank so much for a awesome recipe
Julie Evink says
That’s so great to hear! Thanks for commenting and rating this recipe!