The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful Family Favorite
Meatloaf represents the quintessential comfort food that brings families together around warm dinner tables.
Hearty and satisfying, this classic dish embodies traditional home cooking with its rich, savory profile.
Generations have cherished this meal as a reliable staple that upgrades simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
The robust blend of ground meats, herbs, and seasonings creates a deeply flavorful experience that resonates with nostalgia.
Tender and juicy, this culinary creation offers a perfect balance between rustic simplicity and sophisticated taste.
Home cooks have long appreciated the versatility and ease of preparing this timeless recipe.
Your dinner table will come alive with memories and warmth when you serve this beloved classic.
Classic Meatloaf Ingredients
Meat and Protein:Flavor Enhancers:Binding and Moisture Ingredients:Glaze Ingredients:Step-by-Step Classic Meatloaf Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Combine Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the following ingredients:Step 3: Marinate the Meat
Let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or overnight for enhanced flavor).
Step 4: Shape and Initial Baking
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
Mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until well blended.
Step 6: Finish Baking
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Classic Meatloaf Tips for Perfection
Storage and Reheating Tips for Classic Meatloaf
What to Serve with Classic Meatloaf
Classic Meatloaf Recipe Variations
Why Classic Meatloaf Hits the Spot
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Classic Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Hearty American Classic Meatloaf delivers comfort with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings blended into a robust dinner centerpiece. Juicy slices paired with creamy mashed potatoes complete this nostalgic meal that warms souls and satisfies hunger.
Ingredients
Primary Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) ground beef (85 – 90 % lean)
- 2 large eggs
Aromatic and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain, panko or seasoned)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Chill the ground beef mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more cohesive texture.
- Thoroughly combine ground beef, minced garlic, diced onion, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Gently form the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can result in a tough texture.
- Transfer the shaped meatloaf to the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform height for even cooking.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, allowing the meat to cook through and develop a rich, golden exterior.
- While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 45 minutes and generously brush the prepared glaze over the entire surface.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and return the meatloaf to the oven.
- Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 7 minutes after removing from the oven, which allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist, tender result.
- Slice the meatloaf into even portions and serve alongside your preferred side dishes, enjoying the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by letting the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator, allowing ingredients to meld together and develop a richer taste profile.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F, preventing any risk of foodborne illness.
- Create a glossy, caramelized exterior by applying the glaze during the final baking stage, which adds a delicious sweet and tangy finish.
- Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to balance moisture and prevent the meatloaf from becoming too greasy.
- Opt for parchment paper or a lined baking dish to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it retain juices and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Lucas Bennett
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement
Education
Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin
Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota
Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.