Meatloaf Recipe

by Jeffrey KingYummy Meals

There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic meatloaf. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, becoming a favorite for families, weeknight dinners, and even special occasions. When made right, meatloaf is a savory, hearty meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, this meatloaf recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make a perfect meatloaf, from start to finish. Along the way, we’ll talk about the ingredients you’ll need, tips for making your meatloaf juicy and tender, and the best ways to serve it. Let’s get started!

The Best Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Ingredients:

To make the best meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor and moisture)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use regular, Italian, or panko)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (for the meatloaf mixture)
  • ¼ cup ketchup (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for the topping)

Optional:

  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (adds richness to the loaf)
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley (for extra flavor)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking meatloaf, ensuring the outside gets nicely browned while the inside stays juicy and tender. Lightly grease a baking pan or a loaf pan to prevent sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions While the oven is heating, heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent. This will take about 4-5 minutes. Sautéing the onion brings out its sweetness and ensures it blends seamlessly into the meatloaf mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the sautéed onions (after letting them cool for a minute or two) and mix everything together until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as that can result in a tough meatloaf. If you like, add grated parmesan cheese and parsley at this stage for extra flavor.

Step 4: Form the Meatloaf Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use your hands to shape the meat into a loaf shape. The loaf should be evenly shaped to ensure it cooks uniformly. If you’re using a loaf pan, this will be easy; otherwise, shape it gently on the baking sheet or in a baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping In a small bowl, mix the ketchup with brown sugar (if using). This topping is what gives your meatloaf that beautiful, tangy glaze. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 6: Bake the Meatloaf Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Depending on your oven, cooking time may vary slightly, so check the meatloaf around the 45-minute mark.

Step 7: Let it Rest Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier meatloaf.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Slice the meatloaf into thick, hearty pieces and serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra ketchup or a savory gravy over the top for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Meatloaf

While meatloaf is a pretty straightforward dish, there are a few key tips to ensure your meatloaf is tender, juicy, and full of flavor:

1. Use the Right Ground Beef: The fat content of your ground beef matters. An 80/20 ratio of beef to fat works best for meatloaf because the fat ensures the loaf stays juicy. If you go too lean (e.g., 90/10), you may end up with a dry loaf.

2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, it’s important not to overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.

3. Add Moisture: Milk and eggs help bind the ingredients and keep the meatloaf moist. If you’re looking to make your meatloaf extra tender, you can add grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms, which add moisture without altering the flavor.

4. Use Breadcrumbs or Oats: Breadcrumbs help hold the meatloaf together and keep it from falling apart. You can use traditional breadcrumbs, panko for a lighter texture, or even oats if you prefer a gluten-free option.

5. Let It Rest: After baking, let your meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This simple step helps to lock in moisture and prevents the juices from running out when you slice it.

Variations of Meatloaf

While the classic meatloaf recipe is always a hit, you can easily mix things up by adding different ingredients or trying out new flavors.

1. Meatloaf with Bacon: For a smoky twist, add chopped bacon to the meat mixture. You can also wrap the loaf in bacon strips before baking to create a crispy exterior and an even richer flavor.

2. BBQ Meatloaf: If you love BBQ, substitute the ketchup topping with your favorite BBQ sauce. This adds a tangy sweetness and a smoky flavor to the meatloaf.

3. Italian Meatloaf: For an Italian-inspired version, mix in some Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. Serve with a side of spaghetti for a complete meal.

4. Stuffed Meatloaf: Stuff your meatloaf with cheese, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms for an added layer of flavor. Simply press down the middle of the loaf, fill it with your ingredients, and then seal the edges.

5. Keto Meatloaf: For those following a keto diet, you can make a low-carb version by replacing the breadcrumbs with almond flour or coconut flour. This version is just as tasty but without the carbs.

The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Meatloaf

Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your meal planning. Here are a few ideas for side dishes:

1. Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food side dish. Creamy mashed potatoes balance the rich flavors of meatloaf and are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or gravy.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, and green beans add color, flavor, and nutrients to your meal. Plus, they’re easy to prepare alongside the meatloaf.

3. Macaroni and Cheese: If you’re craving something extra indulgent, creamy mac and cheese is a fantastic side to serve with meatloaf.

4. Green Salad: For something light and refreshing, serve a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the meatloaf.

5. Garlic Bread: What better way to soak up those savory meatloaf juices than with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread?

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely because meatloaf is so delicious!), storing and reheating them is easy.

To store, place the meatloaf slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat, simply pop slices in the microwave or oven. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat as usual.

Final Thoughts

This meatloaf recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or yourself, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. With its tender texture, rich flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s a timeless classic that you can enjoy any time of year.

Enjoy making your meatloaf, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones—because good food is meant to be shared!