Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe delivers on all fronts - it's easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and brings comfort food to your table. Made with lean ground beef (or a beef and pork blend for extra flavor), it combines aromatic onions and simple seasonings that enhance rather than overwhelm the meat. The meatloaf stays moist thanks to the perfect ratio of bread crumbs and liquid, while eggs bind everything together. What makes this version special is the tangy ketchup-vinegar glaze that caramelizes on top during the final minutes of baking, adding the perfect sweet-tangy complement to the savory meat. The recipe also includes clever shaping techniques and the crucial step of allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing, ensuring a juicy result that holds its shape.
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Updated on Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:57:09 GMT
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Classic Meatloaf delivers the ultimate homestyle comfort in a dish that has stood the test of time for good reason. This hearty, savory loaf combines seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and a perfect blend of binding ingredients, all topped with a tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. The result is a moist, flavorful main dish that brings everyone to the table with anticipation.

Last month when I made this for my family gathering, my nephew who "doesn't like meatloaf" asked for seconds and even took home leftovers. The empty serving platter spoke volumes about its universal appeal.

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Essential Elements

  • Ground beef: Choose 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for best results
  • Fresh onion: Finely diced for even distribution and flavor
  • Breadcrumbs: Create perfect binding and texture
  • Eggs: Provide crucial structure and moisture
  • Milk: Adds tenderness to the final product
  • Simple seasonings: Enhance flavor without overwhelming
  • Tangy glaze: Creates signature caramelized topping

Creating Perfect Meatloaf

Gentle Mixing:
Combine ingredients thoroughly but gently. Overmixing compacts the meat and creates tough texture.
Proper Shaping:
Form the loaf by hand for rustic presentation. Using a loaf pan as a mold ensures perfect shape.
Baking Strategy:
Cook uncovered on a sheet pan for optimal texture. Watch for that perfect internal temperature.
Glaze Application:
Add glaze during final cooking stage for caramelization without burning.

My grandmother always said the secret to perfect meatloaf was "treating it gently, like biscuit dough." This recipe honors her wisdom with its tender, juicy results.

Perfect Pairings

Create a complete comfort meal by serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn, or roasted vegetables. For a nostalgic experience, add a side of green beans and dinner rolls. Leftover slices make exceptional sandwiches the next day.

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Creative Variations

Experiment with adding grated cheese to the mixture for extra richness. Try incorporating finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for nutrition and color. Create a BBQ version by using barbecue sauce instead of ketchup in the glaze.

Storage Success

Store leftovers in an airtight container for quick meals throughout the week. Slice before freezing for easy portioning. Wrap individual slices for perfect lunch options.

After perfecting this recipe through countless family dinners, I've found that success lies in the details - the proper ratio of ingredients, the gentle mixing technique, and the patience to let it rest before serving. Whether you're cooking for a hungry family or wanting leftovers for sandwiches, this Classic Meatloaf delivers comfort and satisfaction in every slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. You can also fully cook the meatloaf, refrigerate, and reheat slices as needed.
→ How do I know when my meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the center - it should be no longer pink and the juices should run clear.
→ Can I add vegetables to this meatloaf?
Absolutely! Finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery make great additions. Sauté them with the onions before adding to the meat mixture to ensure they're tender in the finished meatloaf.
→ What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, quick oats, or cooked rice instead of bread crumbs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs or cooked quinoa.
→ Why does my meatloaf fall apart when slicing?
This usually happens if the meatloaf hasn't rested long enough after cooking or if there aren't enough binding ingredients. Make sure to use the full amount of eggs called for, and always let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Classic Meatloaf

A traditional meatloaf with perfectly seasoned ground beef and a simple tangy ketchup glaze that's sure to please the whole family.

Prep Time
12 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
62 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Meatloaf

01 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (or beef/pork blend)
02 1 cup diced onion, chopped small
03 3/4 cup bread crumbs (or panko crumbs)
04 1/3 cup milk (broth or water)
05 2 eggs
06 1 teaspoon tomato paste
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ For the Glaze

11 3/4 cup ketchup
12 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 02

Add the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and tomato paste to a large bowl. Mix it together really well.

Step 03

Create a loaf shape by forming with your hands or by packing the beef mixture into a greased loaf pan and then flipping it over onto the baking sheet. Remove the loaf pan and it will create the perfect loaf shape.

Step 04

Bake the meatloaf uncovered and without the sauce topping for 40 minutes.

Step 05

While the meatloaf is cooking, mix together the ketchup and white vinegar. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the ketchup mixture along the top and sides.

Step 06

Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until fully cooked inside.

Step 07

Once cooked, let the meatloaf sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices inside the meatloaf to distribute evenly. Slice into pieces and serve.

Notes

  1. Can use beef/pork blend for more flavor
  2. Resting for 10 minutes is essential for juicy meatloaf
  3. Loaf pan method creates perfect shape
  4. Milk can be substituted with broth or water

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Loaf pan (optional, for shaping)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs
  • Dairy (if using milk)
  • Wheat (in bread crumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 212
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 22 g