The Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful Comfort Food

Crafting the ultimate meatloaf recipe can transform an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Comfort food enthusiasts understand the magic of a perfectly seasoned, juicy loaf that melts in your mouth.

Home cooks often struggle to achieve that ideal balance of flavor and texture.

Our carefully developed technique ensures a moist, flavorful centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Rich ground beef, combined with carefully selected herbs and spices, creates a truly irresistible dish.

Subtle nuances in preparation make all the difference between a good and phenomenal meatloaf.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch your dinner table come alive with excitement.

How To Keep The Best Meatloaf Fresh

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.
• Freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months by placing in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat refrigerated or thawed meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.
• Microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature and adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a mix of meats for variety and different flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Use a combination of eggs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce to keep the meat moist. Avoid overmixing and overcooking, which can lead to a dry texture.

• Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients and add texture. If you’re gluten-free, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats as a substitute.

All About The Best Meatloaf Recipe

• Craft Classic Comfort: Dive into a timeless dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table, delivering the ultimate home-cooked meal everyone craves.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Mix ingredients in one bowl, shape quickly, and pop into the oven with minimal kitchen fuss, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults, packed with familiar flavors and hearty protein that everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Transform the basic recipe by adding personal touches like herbs, different meats, or unique seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients To Make The Best Meatloaf

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

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

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory notes to the meatloaf.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiments that boost the overall flavor profile and provide a slight sweetness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of the meat and other ingredients.

How To Bake The Best Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Station

Fire up the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking sheet or loaf pan and prepare it with a light coating of cooking spray or a quick brush of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold and mix everything until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat – you want it tender and juicy.

Step 3: Shape Your Culinary Creation

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared pan. Use your hands to shape it into a beautiful, rustic loaf.

The key is to create an even thickness so it cooks uniformly.

Step 4: Add the Signature Glaze

Spread a generous layer of ketchup across the top of the meatloaf.

This adds a tangy sweetness that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven.

Let it cook for 50-60 minutes. Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 160°F – this ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice incredibly moist and flavorful.

Slice and serve to hungry loved ones.

Secrets To Perfecting The Best Meatloaf

• Experiment with ground meat blends like beef, pork, and veal for richer flavor complexity.
• Avoid overmixing the ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture.
• Grate onions instead of chopping for more moisture and even distribution of flavor.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for lighter, more tender meatloaf compared to dried breadcrumbs.
• Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra layer of aromatic goodness.

Creative Takes On The Best Meatloaf

• Turkey Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat version that's equally flavorful and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Use plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils, mushrooms, and beans to create a protein-rich meatloaf alternative for vegetarian diners.
• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to introduce a zesty southwestern flavor profile with a mild kick of heat.

Side Dishes For The Best Meatloaf

• Comfort Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic family-style meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Gourmet Slice and Style: Serve thin slices on toasted artisan bread with a dollop of tangy aioli and crisp arugula for an elevated sandwich experience that transforms leftovers into a sophisticated lunch.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Crumble leftover meatloaf over a fresh garden salad with soft-boiled eggs and a zesty vinaigrette, creating a protein-packed meal that reinvents your original recipe with minimal effort.

Ultimate Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty meatloaf promises comfort and nostalgia with its rich blend of ground beef, herbs, and classic seasonings. Midwestern home cooks perfected this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 2 large eggs

Binding and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring optimal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until ingredients are just incorporated.
3. Gently form the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, transferring it to a lightly greased loaf pan or parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Delicately brush a thin, even layer of ketchup across the surface of the formed meatloaf, creating a flavorful glaze.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (71C), which ensures thorough cooking.
6. Allow the meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
7. Slice carefully and serve hot, presenting a classic comfort food dish perfect for family meals.

Notes

• Experiment with ground meat blends like beef, pork, and veal for a more complex flavor profile and tender texture.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter, more delicate meatloaf that absorbs moisture better.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the binding consistency.
• Add finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and keep the meatloaf extra moist without changing the fundamental taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg