Best Meatloaf Recipe

This Best Meatloaf Recipe is the epitome of comfort food. The hearty meat mixture, with a blend of beef and pork, is perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, while the sweet and tangy glaze adds a delicious finishing touch. It’s tender, flavorful, and comforting—just what you need after a busy day.

Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a side salad, this meatloaf makes the perfect hearty meal. It’s easy to make, yet so satisfying, making it a great option for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for glaze)

• 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce.

3. Mix well until fully combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

4. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ketchup for the glaze. Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.

5. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes | Total Time: 75-85 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Best Meatloaf Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dish

Meatloaf is often considered a staple of American cuisine, a go-to comfort food that brings nostalgia and warmth. While there are many variations out there, this particular version stands out for its juiciness, flavorful seasonings, and that perfect glaze on top that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a cozy meal to share with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s dive deeper into why this meatloaf recipe is truly the best.

A Tried-and-Tested Recipe

The origins of meatloaf are somewhat humble, rooted in utilizing inexpensive ingredients to create a hearty and filling dish. Ground meats, breadcrumbs, and eggs were often used by families during the Great Depression, as they were both affordable and able to stretch to feed a larger number of people. Over time, meatloaf evolved into a dish that could be customized in many ways, whether with different meats, sauces, or flavorings.

This particular recipe has been perfected over the years, with the ideal balance of flavors and textures. The use of lean ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, and a simple mix of herbs ensures the meatloaf retains its moisture, while the zesty topping adds an extra layer of flavor that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this meatloaf stand out from others is its simplicity combined with perfect execution. Let’s explore the key elements that make this recipe exceptional:

1. Juicy and Flavorful Meat: The combination of ground beef and a touch of pork adds richness to the meatloaf without making it greasy. Using 80/20 ground beef ensures the perfect balance of fat and flavor. The beef’s natural juices remain locked in, keeping the loaf tender throughout the baking process.

2. The Perfect Binding Ingredients: Eggs and breadcrumbs act as the binders in this recipe, ensuring that the meatloaf holds together without being too dense or dry. Allowing the breadcrumbs to soak in milk for a few minutes adds moisture to the loaf, preventing it from becoming crumbly when sliced.

3. The Zesty Topping: The topping is what sets this meatloaf apart. The combination of chili sauce and ketchup creates a tangy, slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes while baking. This adds an irresistible flavor contrast to the savory interior of the meatloaf.

4. Cooking Method: Instead of using a loaf pan, this recipe recommends baking the meatloaf on a baking sheet. This method allows for the meatloaf to form a beautiful crust on all sides, preventing it from becoming soggy in its own juices. The result is a flavorful, crispy exterior and a moist interior.

Additional Variations and Customizations

While this meatloaf recipe is already perfect in its classic form, there are numerous ways to add your personal touch to it:

• Add more seasoning: While this recipe calls for Italian seasoning, you can experiment with other herbs and spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a bit of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

• Mix up the meat: If you want to make your meatloaf leaner, you can use ground turkey in place of beef. Or, for a richer flavor, try mixing half ground pork with beef.

• Experiment with different toppings: If you’re not a fan of chili sauce, you can substitute with barbecue sauce, or even make a brown sugar and ketchup glaze. The possibilities are endless!

• Incorporate vegetables: While the classic recipe doesn’t call for additional vegetables, finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach can be added to the mix to add some extra nutrition.

Health Benefits of Meatloaf

Though meatloaf is often considered a comfort food that’s rich in fats, there are ways to make it a bit healthier without compromising on flavor. By choosing leaner cuts of meat, such as 80/20 ground beef or even ground turkey, you reduce the fat content while still keeping the recipe flavorful.

The added breadcrumbs provide fiber, and if you choose whole-wheat breadcrumbs, you’ll get even more nutritional benefits. Additionally, adding fresh herbs like parsley can boost the dish’s vitamin and mineral content. Paired with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables, this dish becomes a well-rounded meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Meatloaf is one of those dishes that gets even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. It can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to four days, allowing you to have a quick, comforting meal available whenever you need it. If you want to store it for a longer period, meatloaf can also be frozen either before or after baking.

To freeze the meatloaf, simply form it into a loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then freeze. You can either bake it directly from frozen or thaw it in the fridge before cooking. Reheated meatloaf is just as flavorful, and the glaze retains its tangy sweetness.

What to Serve with Meatloaf

Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic experience, you can serve it with mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese—both of which balance the hearty, savory flavors of the meatloaf.

Here are a few other ideas for side dishes that would complement the meatloaf perfectly:

• Roasted Green Beans: The crispness of roasted green beans adds a healthy, crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the meatloaf.

• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A rich and creamy side dish that is a perfect match for meatloaf.

• Quick Broccoli and Cheese: The slight bitterness of broccoli combined with creamy cheese is a great side for this savory main dish.

• Baked Mac and Cheese: A comforting and cheesy side that will surely please both kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

This Best Meatloaf Recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and texture. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious. The combination of lean meats, perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs, and that tangy glaze on top results in a meatloaf that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. With its easy preparation and endless customization options, this meatloaf will surely become a go-to recipe in your household.

By following this recipe, you’re not only creating a meal that’s packed with flavor but also one that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you add extra seasoning, mix up the meats, or change the glaze, this meatloaf provides a solid foundation for countless variations, all of which are sure to please your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the timeless joy of homemade meatloaf!