The Classic Meatloaf Recipe Everyone Will Love For Dinner

Crafting a classic meatloaf recipe brings back memories of comfort dinners that warm your heart and soul.

Grandma’s kitchen always smelled incredible when this savory dish was baking.

Tender meat mixed with simple ingredients creates a nostalgic meal that connects generations.

Fragrant herbs and rich seasonings blend perfectly to make each bite memorable.

Home cooks understand the magic of transforming basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Families gather around the table, eager to enjoy this timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it part of your weekly rotation.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Keep in mind that turkey is less fatty, so the meatloaf might be slightly drier.

• What can I do if my meatloaf is too dry?

Add a bit more milk or an extra egg to the mixture to increase moisture. You can also cover the meatloaf with foil during baking to prevent it from drying out.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C). This ensures the meat is safely cooked through.

• Can I prepare the meatloaf in advance?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients and shape the loaf ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Classic Meatloaf That Brings Comfort

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Enjoy a deliciously homemade meatloaf that comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: This traditional recipe delivers nostalgic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like different herbs or spices to make this meatloaf uniquely yours, giving you creative freedom in the kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Prepare a hearty meal using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, making it an economical dinner option.

Ingredients Needed For Classic Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful protein that forms the core of the classic meatloaf.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Eggs: These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist and tender.

• Onion, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients add depth, tanginess, and a savory profile to the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A sweet and tangy glaze that adds a delicious caramelized layer to the top of the meatloaf.

Step-By-Step Guide To Classic Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Turn the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect cooking environment for a delicious meatloaf.

Step 2: Create the Meaty Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Diced onion
• Eggs
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything thoroughly until the ingredients are completely integrated and look uniform.

Step 3: Craft the Loaf Shape

Mold the meat mixture into a classic loaf form. Transfer the shaped loaf onto a lightly greased baking sheet or nestle it into a loaf pan.

Step 4: Whip Up the Flavor Topping

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard

Spread this zesty glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven.

Cook for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice more flavorful and easier to cut.

Slice and serve to hungry guests.

Tips For Juicy Classic Meatloaf Every Time

• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess fat and prevent a greasy texture.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and moisture if the mixture seems too dry.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a more tender and softer meatloaf.
• Rest the meatloaf after baking to help it set and make slicing easier without crumbling.
• For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour.

Flavorful Twists On Classic Meatloaf

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option that maintains great flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative made from lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, keeping the same seasonings and baking method.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, use low-carb ketchup, and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile while maintaining low-carb requirements.

Pairings That Go Well With Classic Meatloaf

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting, nostalgic meal that brings everyone together.
• Hearty Sandwich Transformation: Slice leftover meatloaf cold and layer between fresh bread with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a spread of tangy mayo for a delicious next-day lunch.
• Rustic Plate Pairing: Accompany the meatloaf with roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, creating a wholesome plate that highlights the rich, savory flavors of the meat.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Cut the meatloaf into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, making it perfect for casual gatherings and social events.

Best Ways To Store Classic Meatloaf

• Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store sliced portions in separate containers to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating to preserve freshness.
• Consume refrigerated meatloaf within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty classic meatloaf recipe brings comfort to dinner tables across America. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 2 large eggs

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to create an ideal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
2. Blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Craft the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, carefully transferring it to a lightly greased baking sheet or traditional loaf pan.
4. Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a separate small bowl to create a vibrant, sweet-tangy glaze.
5. Generously brush the prepared glaze across the entire surface of the raw meatloaf, ensuring even coverage.
6. Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (71C).
7. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
8. Slice the meatloaf into hearty portions and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture is not overmixed to keep the texture tender and prevent a dense, tough meatloaf.
• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to balance flavor and reduce excess grease during baking.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter, more delicate texture that absorbs moisture better.
• Customize the glaze by adding a splash of hot sauce or replacing brown sugar with honey for different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 372 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg