Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Savor the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf, a nostalgic dish with a tender texture and a rich, sweet-tangy glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe never disappoints.
Elevate your meal with this foolproof recipe, combining juicy ground beef, savory seasonings, and a mouthwatering tomato glaze. Every slice delivers a homestyle experience that’s irresistibly delicious.
Essential Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf
- Ground beef (1.5 lbs., 85/15) – The perfect balance of fat ensures a juicy, flavorful meatloaf.
- Minced onion (1/2 cup) – Adds depth and sweetness to the meatloaf mixture.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, plain) – Binds the ingredients together while maintaining a tender consistency.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp) – Provides a savory, umami boost.
- Egg (1 large) – Helps hold the meatloaf together during cooking.
- Milk (1/3 cup) – Keeps the mixture moist and tender.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) – Infuses subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Brings a hint of herbal warmth.
- Salt (1 tsp) & black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
For the Glaze:
- Ketchup (1/2 cup) – A classic base for the glaze.
- Brown sugar (1 Tbsp) – Adds sweetness and caramelization.
- Yellow mustard (1 tsp) – Balances sweetness with a hint of tang.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp) – Enhances the glaze with savory depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Meatloaf
- Prepare the base: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Whisk egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce together in one bowl, and separately mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Gently mix the ground beef, minced onion, breadcrumb mixture, and egg mixture in a large bowl, taking care not to overwork it.
- Shape the loaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf on a rimmed baking dish, approximately 4×8 inches in size.
- Add the glaze: Stir together ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread the glaze generously over the loaf.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 50–55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Meatloaf Mastery
For the juiciest meatloaf, use ground beef with some fat content (85/15 is ideal) and avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Mixing with your hands allows for gentle incorporation without compacting the meat.
Experiment with variations by substituting ground pork or turkey, adding finely diced vegetables, or incorporating shredded cheese for a twist.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To store leftovers, wrap slices in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly, ensuring they maintain their flavor.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. Add a fresh layer of glaze to revive the flavors while reheating.
Enjoy this timeless classic that brings both flavor and comfort to your table!
Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1.5 lbs. ground beef 85/15
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In one bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended. Separately, combine the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Finely mince the onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg mixture, breadcrumb mixture, and minced onion. Mix the ingredients gently using your hands until uniformly incorporated, being cautious not to overwork the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a rimmed baking dish and shape it into a loaf approximately 4 inches wide, 8 inches long, and 2 inches tall.
- Prepare the glaze by thoroughly mixing ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. Spread the glaze evenly over the top and along the sides of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.