Classic Meatloaf Recipe – Comfort Food at Its Best

Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a perfectly seasoned, tender meatloaf fresh from the oven. This classic recipe combines ground beef with aromatic vegetables, breadcrumbs, and a savory glaze that creates a golden, caramelized crust. The secret to this meatloaf’s incredible flavor lies in the perfect balance of herbs, the moisture-locking technique, and that irresistible tangy-sweet glaze that tops it off. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table, offering both nostalgia and nourishment in every slice. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and filling, this meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and green beans for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ cup (75g) plain breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup (120ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting them soak for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes paste-like. In a large skillet, sauté diced onion over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, the soaked breadcrumb mixture, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and fresh parsley. Mix with your hands just until ingredients are evenly distributed—don’t overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Shape and Initial Bake Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and shape into a loaf about 9 inches long and 5 inches wide. Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Remove meatloaf from oven and brush the glaze evenly over the top and sides. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Notes

The key to moist meatloaf is not overmixing the meat and using the milk-soaked breadcrumbs for extra moisture. For a lighter version, substitute half the ground beef with ground turkey or use 93/7 lean ground beef with an extra egg. You can make individual mini meatloaves in a muffin tin—reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes total. For storage, wrap cooled meatloaf tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Leftover meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches the next day!

FAQs

How do I know when my recipe is done? Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center—it should read 160°F (71°C). The juices should run clear, and the recipe should feel firm but not hard when gently pressed.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Shape the raw meatloaf, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What’s the best meat blend for meatloaf? An 80/20 ground beef blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. You can also use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal (meatloaf mix) for extra richness.

Keto/Low-Carb Version

To make this meatloaf keto-friendly, replace breadcrumbs with ¾ cup of almond flour or crushed pork rinds. For the glaze, substitute the brown sugar with erythritol or your preferred sugar substitute, and use sugar-free ketchup. This reduces the net carbs to approximately 4g per serving while maintaining all the classic flavors you love.

Final Thoughts

This classic meatloaf recipe proves that sometimes the most satisfying meals are the simplest ones. With its tender, flavorful interior and that gorgeous glazed exterior, it’s a dish that never goes out of style and always delivers on comfort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday night or preparing a nostalgic Sunday dinner, this meatloaf fits perfectly into your regular meal rotation and pairs beautifully with all your favorite sides. Once you try this version, it’ll become your go-to recipe for years to come.

Classic Meatloaf Recipe – Comfort Food at Its Best

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• Salt & pepper

• Topping:

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, ketchup, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
• Spread topping (ketchup + brown sugar) on top.
• Bake for 50 minutes.
• Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

• Tastes great with mashed potatoes or veggies on the side!