Published on
Meatloaf
Table of Contents
The best meatloaf recipe creates the most flavorful and moist meat, offering a distinctive and delicious taste while preserving the classic appeal we all cherish. The glaze on top is incredibly simple to prepare and serves as the ideal complement to this comforting dish.
More Recipes ⭐ Salisbury Steak | Sloppy Joes | Cheeseburger Casserole | Crockpot Meatloaf
This classic homemade meatloaf recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience. It combines lean ground beef with a rich blend of seasonings, finished with a delectable tangy glaze on top.
It's the perfect, uncomplicated choice for a traditional dinner on hectic weeknights.
Ingredients for Meatloaf
What You'll Need to make this amazing meatloaf recipe:
For the Meatloaf
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For The Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
The Best Classic Meatloaf Variations
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of the best rated meatloaf recipe!
- PROTEIN: For this recipe, feel free to switch the lean ground beef with another type of ground meat to suit your preference. Ground chicken or turkey are excellent alternatives for a lighter meatloaf.
- ONIONS: If you're not keen on onions or simply don't have any available, you can opt for finely chopped celery or bell peppers as substitutes. These options provide a similar texture and flavor profile to the meatloaf. Additionally, this recipe can be easily adapted to exclude onions if preferred.
- HERBS AND SPICES: Customize your meatloaf by incorporating various herbs and spices. Adding dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary can introduce an aromatic element to the dish. For a bit of warmth, consider spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
- KETCHUP: In case you'd like an alternative to ketchup or don't have it available, barbecue sauce or tomato sauce can be used as substitutes. Keep in mind that this change will alter the meatloaf's flavor slightly, so select a sauce that aligns with your flavor preferences.
How to make the best Meatloaf recipe ever
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray.
SECOND STEP: Place all of the meat ingredients in a large bowl.
Pro Tip
Before adding it to the beef mixture, sauté the onion. This step helps release the onion's flavors, enhancing the overall taste of your completed dinner.
THIRD STEP: Mix with spoons or hands.
Pro Tip
Mixing the raw meat mixture with your hands, although messy, is the most effective method to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix the mixture, as doing so can result in a dry and dense finished dish.
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 meat.
SEVENTH STEP: Place pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
EIGHTH STEP: Remove the meat pan 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 temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.
NINTH STEP: Remove from the oven and let it rest a bit before slicing.
Pro Tip
Allowing the cooked meat to rest is a crucial step in this recipe. It not only makes slicing easier but also helps to lock in the juices, enhancing its flavor and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my meatloaf doesn’t turn out dry?
Overmixing can lead to a dry finished recipe; ensure to mix the meat just enough to incorporate all ingredients. To achieve a moist meatloaf, it's crucial to introduce moisture throughout the process.
For optimal outcomes, make sure not to omit any wet seasonings such as eggs, tomato paste, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce. These elements contribute to both the taste and texture, rendering the meat exceptionally succulent.
What is the best meat for meatloaf?
Lean meat is ideal for this simple meatloaf recipe. A meat mixture with an 80/20 ratio strikes the perfect balance, offering enough fat for flavor without causing the meatloaf to be overly greasy.
How long should I cook meatloaf for?
The cooking duration varies based on the quantity of beef used. Ensure the meat attains an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
Three key elements contribute to preventing meatloaf from disintegrating. Initially, opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, as it aids in coalescing the components. Eggs serve a similar purpose by acting as a binding agent. Lastly, incorporating breadcrumbs or oatmeal will soak up extra moisture, ensuring the ingredients stick together effectively.
Do you bake meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Our recipe recommends baking your meatloaf without a cover. Introducing the sauce midway through the baking process aids in maintaining the meatloaf's moisture during its time in the oven.
What to serve with Meatloaf
- Classic Comfort: Pair slices of meatloaf with green beans and creamy mashed potatoes or soft dinner rolls for a heartwarming, traditional meal. The deep, savory taste of the meatloaf matches perfectly with the smooth potatoes, and the crisp green beans bring a fresh element to your dish. Top off this comforting meal with our blueberry cobbler for a sweet finish.
- Sandwich Sensation: Turn your meatloaf into a filling sandwich by layering slices between crusty bread. Add a splash of tangy barbecue sauce, some crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes for an irresistible meatloaf sandwich that's perfect for lunch.
- Low-Carb Delight: For a low-carb option, pair your meatloaf with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or zucchini. Season the veggies with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil before roasting to bring out their natural flavors. This combination offers a satisfying meal that's both hearty and healthy.
- Asian Fusion: Slice the meatloaf and glaze with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic for an Asian-inspired dish. Serve over a bed of steamed rice with stir-fried vegetables on the side. This unique combination brings a sweet and savory element to the meatloaf, offering a delightful departure from its classic presentation.
- BBQ Meatloaf Sliders: Miniaturize your meatloaf experience by creating sliders. Slice the meatloaf into small pieces, place each on a slider bun, and top with coleslaw and barbecue sauce. These sliders are perfect for parties, picnics, or a fun family dinner, offering a bite-sized version of the comfort food classic.
- Soup Sidekick: Serve a slice of meatloaf alongside a bowl of your favorite soup, such as tomato basil, vegetable, or beef barley. The meatloaf offers a hearty and satisfying complement to the warmth and comfort of the soup, making for a cozy and fulfilling meal.
With these diverse serving suggestions, you can enjoy this recipe in a variety of ways, from traditional comfort food pairings to innovative and modern twists. Whether you're in the mood for a classic meal, a low-carb option, or something entirely new, there's a way to make this dinner to suit every taste.
Storing this Recipe
Storing meatloaf properly is key to maintaining its freshness and delicious taste, whether you have leftovers or you've made it ahead of time for convenience. Here are some effective tips:
Make Ahead: To prepare this recipe in advance, follow the recipe up to the baking step. Instead of baking, wrap the uncooked meat tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook it, simply remove the wrapping, place it in the oven, and follow the baking instructions. This approach allows you to enjoy a freshly baked meatloaf without the prep time.
Storing in the Fridge: For cooked meatloaf leftovers, allow the meatloaf to cool completely to room temperature after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This helps to keep the meatloaf moist and prevents it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge. Cooked meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you have a significant amount of leftovers or want to store the meatloaf for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Cool the cooked meatloaf completely, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Label the meatloaf with the date, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Best way to reheat meatloaf: When you're ready to eat the frozen meat, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. To reheat, remove any plastic wrap and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it's heated through, about 20-30 minutes for a whole meatloaf or 10-15 minutes for slices. Alternatively, you can microwave slices for 2-3 minutes on a microwave-safe plate until warm. Always ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can ensure your meatloaf remains as delicious as when it was first made, providing a convenient and satisfying meal option.
More Recipes You'll Love
Meatloaf
Love this recipe? Give it a 5 Star Rating
Ingredients
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.
WATCH THIS RECIPE VIDEO
Notes
- Sauté the onion before mixing it into the beef mixture. Sautéing will release the onion’s flavors, making your meatloaf even more flavorful.
- While messy, mixing the raw meatloaf mixture with your hands is the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing will make the meatloaf dry and dense.
- Letting the meatloaf rest is an important step in this delicious recipe. It makes the meatloaf easier to slice but also allows time to lock in the juices.
Comments
KC says
Absolutely perfect! My husband said on par with his mother’s - a HUGE compliment 🥰
Nicsattey says
This is delicious , I mixed most wet ingredients with bread crumbs and let sit while I sautéed the onion then mixed in the ground beef . Served with mashed potatoes and beef gravy, it was excellent
Cheryl Hawk says
Going to try this meatloaf recipe tomorrow. It looks amazing
Melissa says
I made your meatloaf as directed and it was tender and delicious! I may decrease the garlic & the brown sugar next time, though.
joann giovino fagiolo says
just wanted to add a tip tha i use for meatloaf, meatballs etc. i always use a mix of beef-pork-and veal.. and i always saute the onions / garlic and whatever vegetable i use when making anything before... to me adding them raw.. they just steam.. rather than add a unique flavor.. try it.. let me know what you think