Few dishes evoke the cozy comfort of home quite like a perfectly baked Meatloaf. This isn’t just any meatloaf; it’s a classic, tender, and incredibly flavorful rendition, made even better with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze that bakes right into the top. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a hearty family dinner, and promises to bring smiles to everyone at the table.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Meatloaf recipe is a true testament to the power of simple ingredients creating something profoundly satisfying. What I love most is how it combines the savory richness of ground beef with the binding power of breadcrumbs, the aromatic kick of onion, and the moisture from egg and milk. The addition of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper creates a perfectly seasoned loaf that’s never dry or bland. But the real game-changer is that quick homemade glaze – the blend of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes creates a sticky, sweet-tangy topping that caramelizes beautifully. It’s a no-fuss recipe that consistently delivers a moist, flavorful, and truly comforting centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (lean recommended)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (plain can also work)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce, a few dashes (about 1-2 teaspoons)
- Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
For Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent the meatloaf from being too greasy. You can use a mix of ground beef and pork, or even ground turkey for a lighter version, though the flavor and moisture may vary slightly.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These add flavor and act as a binder. If using plain breadcrumbs, you might want to add a pinch more Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the meatloaf mixture.
- Onion: Finely chopping the onion ensures it blends seamlessly into the meatloaf. You can sauté it lightly before adding if you prefer a softer texture and mellower flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk adds moisture and helps create a tender loaf.
- Ketchup (inside): Provides moisture and a subtle tang.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a crucial savory depth.
- Glaze: The glaze is key for flavor and moisture. Adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking. You can omit the red pepper flakes for a milder glaze.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Meatloaf baking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 ½ lbs ground beef, 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, 1 finely chopped onion, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup ketchup, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using your clean hands (the best tool for this!), mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape & Place in Pan: Shape the mixture into a compact loaf. Transfer the shaped loaf into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to fill the pan evenly.
- Initial Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or longer to your liking, depending on desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 tablespoon light brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are combined.
- Glaze & Final Bake: After the initial baking time (around 1 hour), remove the meatloaf from the oven. Generously spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it stand for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender slice.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meat mixture can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just until combined.
- Season Generously: Meatloaf needs good seasoning. Taste the mixture (if comfortable) before baking to adjust salt and pepper.
- Loaf Pan vs. Free-Form: A loaf pan helps the meatloaf hold its shape and traps juices, leading to a moister result.If baking free-form on a baking sheet, it may cook faster and brown more on the sides.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Don’t skip letting the meatloaf rest before slicing! This prevents it from crumbling and losing its juices.
- Internal Temperature: For food safety, ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Meatloaf is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: The perfect partner for soaking up any extra meatloaf juices and glaze.
- Green Beans or Corn: Simple steamed or roasted vegetables balance the meal.
- Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread: Great for a hearty meal.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing meals, consider our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit or our This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way To Make Comfort Food Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Meatloaf makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Slice meatloaf before reheating for faster and more even warming. Reheat individual slices in the microwave, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. You can add a little extra sauce or gravy when reheating to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: Cooked meatloaf freezes very well. Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this meatloaf, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another classic pasta and meat dish, check out our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying beef casseroles, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
- And for a hearty chicken and cheese casserole that’s always a hit, check out These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To For Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Best Meatloaf Recipe is a timeless classic for a reason – it’s incredibly comforting, deeply flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect meal to gather around the table and savor with loved ones, promising a big taste of homemade goodness.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your secret ingredient for making the best meatloaf? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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