Classic Meatloaf Recipe

A Classic Meatloaf Recipe is one of the easiest and most comforting meals you can make. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. This recipe gives you tender meatloaf with a rich glaze on top. It’s perfect for a weeknight Dinner or a family meal on Sunday.

At HomeandFiesta, we love Recipes that bring people together around the table. This meatloaf is a family favorite easy to mix, bake, and enjoy with your favorite sides.

Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatloaf

• It’s made with everyday ingredients.
• The texture stays moist, not dry.
• The glaze adds a nice balance of sweet and tangy.
• You can make it ahead and reheat it easily.

This is one of those dishes that feels homemade, even when it’s quick to put together.

Ingredients You Need

You don’t need anything fancy. Just grab these simple ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

These ingredients create a soft, juicy texture with just the right amount of flavor.

How to Make Classic Meatloaf

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• Set it aside while you prepare the meat mixture.

2. Mix the Meatloaf

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Mix everything gently with your hands or a large spoon.
• Don’t overmix. Too much mixing makes the meatloaf dense.

The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.

3. Shape and Bake

• Place the meat mixture into the loaf pan. Press it lightly to shape it evenly.
• In a small bowl, stir ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar to make the glaze.
• Spread half the glaze over the top.
• Bake for 45 minutes.

4. Add More Glaze and Finish Baking

• After 45 minutes, brush the rest of the glaze over the meatloaf.
• Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes.
• It’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside.

Tips for Making the Best Meatloaf

• Use beef with some fat. Fat adds flavor and keeps it moist.
• Add milk and eggs. They help the meatloaf stay soft and hold shape.
• Don’t overmix. Stop once everything looks combined.
• Let it rest. This step keeps slices neat and juicy.
• Try parchment paper. It makes cleanup simple and prevents sticking.

Simple Glaze for Perfect Flavor

The glaze is what gives meatloaf that classic taste. Sweet ketchup mixed with brown sugar and vinegar creates a tangy finish that caramelizes in the oven.

If you want to change it up, try:

• Barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
• A bit of hot sauce for some heat.
• A spoon of mustard for a sharp tang.

Brush on the glaze twice—once before baking, once halfway through. This helps it bake into the meat and form a shiny top layer.

Best Side Dishes to Serve

Classic meatloaf goes with almost anything. Here are some good options:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the rich meat.
• Steamed green beans: Add a light, crisp side.
• Roasted carrots or broccoli: Brings color and sweetness.
• Dinner rolls: Great for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Garden salad: Keeps the meal fresh and balanced.

If you want to build a full meal, check HomeandFiesta for recipes like Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Honey Roasted Vegetables. (Add internal links here for SEO.)

Variations You Can Try

You can change this recipe to fit your taste or diet. Here are a few easy ideas:

• Turkey Meatloaf: Use ground turkey instead of beef. Add olive oil for moisture.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar in the middle.
• Vegetable Meatloaf: Mix in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• BBQ Meatloaf: Replace ketchup glaze with barbecue sauce.
• Mini Meatloaves: Shape into muffin cups for faster baking and portion control.

These small changes give new life to a classic recipe without extra work.

How to Store and Reheat

Meatloaf stores well and makes great leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Keep slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.

If using a microwave, cover the slice with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

You can even turn leftovers into meatloaf sandwiches with a little mayo or barbecue sauce.

Nutrition Benefits

This classic meatloaf is not just comfort food it’s also packed with nutrition.

• Protein: Ground beef helps build and repair muscles.
• Iron: Supports healthy blood circulation.
• Vitamin B12: Helps with energy and brain function.

To make it lighter:

• Use lean beef or mix with ground turkey.
• Swap breadcrumbs for oats or whole-grain crumbs.
• Bake it on a rack so extra fat drips off.
• Add finely chopped vegetables for more fiber and flavor.

You can also reduce sugar in the glaze if you prefer less sweetness.

Common Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
It might not have enough eggs or breadcrumbs. Both help it stick together.

2. How can I tell when meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer. It’s ready at 160°F (71°C).

3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Mix and shape the loaf, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day.

4. What’s the best meat for meatloaf?
Use ground beef with about 20% fat. Lean beef can make it dry.

5. How do I keep meatloaf moist?
Add enough milk, eggs, and ketchup. And don’t overbake it.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it focuses on balance—enough fat for flavor, moisture from milk and eggs, and a glaze that ties it all together.

It’s reliable. You mix it in one bowl, bake it in one pan, and end up with a full meal that feels homemade. It’s easy to adjust for different diets or spice levels too.

You can double the recipe and freeze half for later. It’s a time-saver on busy nights.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Slice only after it rests, or it may crumble.
• Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
• Drizzle extra glaze on top for serving.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.

Serve it on a large platter with sides arranged around it for a family-style look.

Conclusion

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is simple, dependable, and full of flavor. It uses everyday ingredients and delivers a meal everyone enjoys. The tender texture, rich glaze, and homestyle taste make it a go-to recipe for any night of the week.

If you want a recipe that’s comforting and easy to make, this is it. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a salad, and you’ll have a full meal ready to please any crowd.

For more comforting recipes, check HomeandFiesta for dishes like Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables or Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs. They’re just as simple and satisfying.