Meatloaf is a classic and comforting dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This hearty and flavorful dish typically consists of ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a variety of seasonings and spices, all baked together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Meatloaf is versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes, with options for different types of meat, vegetables, and sauces. It's also a great way to use up leftover ingredients and stretch your food budget. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner or a meal that will feed a crowd, meatloaf is a go-to recipe that is sure to please.

baked meatloaf sliced and ready to serve

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes 
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $10-$12
Calories: 344
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

Meatloaf Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 90% lean
  • 1 med onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 Tbsp ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground paprika

Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
  • 2 ½ Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  • Line a 9”x5” loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375°F.
  • In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix well to combine.
  • Add meat to the loaf pan, gently press meat down and shape evenly and bake meatloaf at 375˚F for 40 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together for the sauce. Spread the sauce over meatloaf then return to oven and bake additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚F. Rest meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with baking juices from the pan.  
Nutrition Facts
Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze
Amount Per Serving
Calories 344Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 118mg39%
Sodium 910mg40%
Potassium 507mg14%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 24g48%
Vitamin A 410IU8%
Vitamin C 4.5mg5%
Calcium 65mg7%
Iron 3.3mg18%

Tips:

  • Use a mixture of ground beef and pork for a more flavorful meatloaf.
  • Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried for a moister meatloaf.
  • Don't over-mix the meat mixture or the meatloaf will become tough.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleaning up easier.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

FAQs:

What temperature should I bake my meatloaf at?

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can. However, ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, so you may need to add some extra fat, such as olive oil, to prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry.

Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking it.

Storage:

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.