Meatloaf

This old-fashioned meatloaf recipe is moist and tender, combined with savory meat and seasoning glaze with homemade meatloaf sauce.

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The most classic of American comfort foods, meatloaf is the ultimate family dinner recipe that is simple to make and full of flavor. Moist and tender, this meatloaf recipe is a delicious combination of savory meat and seasonings with a sweet and tangy glaze on top.

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Wondering what to cook for dinner tonight? You can’t go wrong with a traditional meatloaf recipe. There is a reason that meatloaf is a quintessential dinner, not only is it easy to prepare, but leftovers make delicious sandwiches.

While the meatloaf itself is award-winningly delicious, it’s even better with a few complimentary side dishes. Round out your dinner plate by serving your homemade meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and dinner rolls.

Perfect for a busy weeknight, the only thing you have to chop in this recipe is one onion. When meatloaf's on the menu, you know you're in for a cozy and comforting dinner.

Meatloaf Ingredients

• Eggs
• Bread crumbs
• Onion
• Lean hamburger
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Tomato paste
• Garlic
• Garlic powder
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar

One of the secrets to a juicier meatloaf recipe is milk. While that may seem odd, the milk soaks the bread crumbs, which add moisture to the meatloaf. Milk also adds richness to the flavor.

When you are combining your ingredients, including the hamburger, bread crumbs, and spices, make sure not to over-mix the meatloaf. Just mix until everything is combined, otherwise, your meatloaf could become tough or dense.

For the best results, bake your meatloaf in a loaf pan. A pan will help it cook more evenly, hold its shape, and keep everything moist. Gently press the meat into the pan to make sure it stays together after baking and make it easier to slice.

How to Make Meatloaf

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray.

SECOND STEP: Place all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl.

THIRD STEP: Mix with spoons or hands.

FOURTH STEP: Shape into a loaf and place into a well-greased loaf pan.

FIFTH STEP: Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a small saucepan and bring to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

SIXTH STEP: Pour half of the sauce over the meatloaf.

SEVENTH STEP: Place pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

EIGHTH STEP: Remove from the oven and add the rest of the sauce. Then return to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees.

NINTH STEP: Remove from the oven and let it rest a bit before slicing.

Cooking Tips 

While this recipe is made with breadcrumbs, many meatloaf recipes are made with oatmeal. Oats are a perfect substitute for breadcrumbs in this recipe because they add the right amount of texture to bind everything together.

Meatloaf can easily be made ahead of time. Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Then let it come to room temperature while you’re preheating the oven and place it in the oven.

Make this recipe your own by adding in sausage, bacon, or even cheese.

Storing this Recipe

IN THE FRIDGE:  Store covered leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or bake in a 350 degree F oven until heated through.

IN THE FREEZER: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container, heavy-duty freezer bag, or wrapped tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Meatloaf

This old-fashioned meatloaf recipe is moist and tender, combined with savory meat and seasoning glaze with homemade meatloaf sauce.

5 from 13 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 369 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

MEATLOAF

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 onion , chopped
• 2 lbs lean hamburger
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp garlic powder

SAUCE

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray.
• Place all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl
• Mix with spoons or hands until fully combined.
• Shape into a loaf and place into a well-greased loaf pan
• Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a small saucepan and bring to a boil and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pour half of the sauce over the meatloaf.
• Place pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and add the rest of the sauce. Then return to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees.
• Remove from the oven and let it rest a bit before slicing.

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Nutrition

Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 937mg | Potassium: 791mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 264IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 5mg

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