This Best Meatloaf Recipe is the definition of savory comfort food, combining tender ground beef, a perfectly seasoned mix of breadcrumbs and aromatics, and a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic weeknight dinner or the ultimate crowd-pleaser, this meatloaf checks all the boxes: juicy on the inside, rich in flavor, and truly irresistible. Once you try it, it’s sure to earn a permanent place in your home-cooked favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Best Meatloaf Recipe is all about simple, honest ingredients coming together for something extraordinary. Each addition, from the breadcrumbs to the glaze, has a vital role—contributing moisture, flavor, and that classic sliceable texture everyone loves.

Ground Beef (2 lbs, 80/20 preferred): The ideal fat ratio keeps the meatloaf juicy but still sliceable without falling apart.
Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Act as a binder and add body while soaking up all the delicious juices.
Milk (1/2 cup): Provides moisture, ensuring the meatloaf is tender rather than dense.
Large Eggs (2): Hold everything together, so your loaf stays perfectly formed.
Small Onion, finely chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to each bite.
Garlic Cloves, minced (2): Add a punch of savory aroma and a hint of spice.
Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): A secret ingredient for that extra dimension of umami.
Salt (1 1/2 tsp): Essential for amplifying all the other flavors.
Black Pepper (1 tsp): Lends gentle heat and earthy undertones.
Ketchup (1/2 cup): The backbone of the classic meatloaf glaze—sweet and tangy.
Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Caramelizes in the oven for an irresistible glossy finish.
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp, optional): Provides a subtle tang and spice to balance the glaze.

How to Make Best Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make cleanup a breeze and your meatloaf easy to lift out, line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper. This simple prep step sets you up for meatloaf success right from the start.

Step 2: Soak the Breadcrumbs

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, giving them 5 minutes to soak. This little trick transforms the breadcrumbs into a flavorful sponge, ensuring every bite of this Best Meatloaf Recipe is moist and never crumbly.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Base

Grab a large bowl, and gently mix together the ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. You want to distribute everything evenly but avoid overmixing—the secret to a tender loaf is a light hand!

Step 4: Combine With Breadcrumb Mixture

Add your breadcrumb and milk mixture to the beef mixture. Once again, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overworking the meat will make your meatloaf dense, so go gently here for a truly melt-in-your-mouth result.

Step 5: Shape and Transfer

Turn your mixture out onto the prepared pan, shaping it into a classic loaf. Compact it gently as you shape; this ensures your Best Meatloaf Recipe will hold together beautifully while maintaining its tender texture.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard (if using) in a small bowl. This glaze will take your meatloaf from tasty to unforgettable, giving you that sticky, perfectly caramelized top everyone loves.

Step 7: Glaze and Bake

Slather half the glaze over your meatloaf, covering it with a generous, even layer. Slide the loaf into the oven and let it bake for 45 minutes, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 8: Final Glaze and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, pull the loaf out and spread the remaining glaze on top. Pop it back in for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). That second layer of glaze gets glossy and sticky—absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 9: Rest Before Slicing

Once baked, let your Best Meatloaf Recipe rest for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, so your slices are neat, moist, and every bit as delicious as you imagined.

How to Serve Best Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your slices with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A little bit of flaky sea salt or a twist of black pepper can also elevate the flavor—and make your Best Meatloaf Recipe dinner-party worthy!

Side Dishes

Serve alongside classic mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese for that nostalgic comfort vibe. Roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad offer a fresh balance and add some color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, try baking the mixture in individual muffin tins for adorable mini-meatloaves, perfect for portion control or lunchboxes. Or, stuff slices between crusty bread with pickles and a swipe of extra glaze for a jaw-dropping meatloaf sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Best Meatloaf Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slice it as needed to keep the rest moist and flavorful for sandwiches, wraps, or next-day reheats.

Freezing

You can freeze the entire cooked meatloaf or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Pop them into a freezer bag, and you’ll have ready-to-reheat portions that stay delicious for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel, or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. A brush of leftover glaze before reheating will help those flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat for this Best Meatloaf Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap half of the beef for ground pork, veal, or turkey for a lighter or more complex flavor. Just keep an eye on the fat content to maintain that perfect juiciness.

Why do I need to soak the breadcrumbs in milk?

Soaking the breadcrumbs creates a “panade” that locks in moisture and keeps your meatloaf tender. It’s the secret step that elevates every bite!

How do I know when my Best Meatloaf Recipe is fully cooked?

The surest way is to check with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should hit 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices running from the loaf when you slice into the center.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with a dash of soy sauce and a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to mimic the umami depth and tanginess that Worcestershire brings.

Can I prep the Best Meatloaf Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix and shape your loaf a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add the glaze and pop it in the oven—fresh and fuss-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a slice of homemade meatloaf, and this Best Meatloaf Recipe is my invitation for you to bring extra warmth and joy to your table. Give it a try, make it your own, and get ready for requests for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Happy cooking!

Best Meatloaf Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This classic meatloaf recipe is a family favorite, featuring a juicy and flavorful ground beef mixture topped with a tangy glaze. It’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper.
Soak Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Add breadcrumb mixture and gently combine without overmixing.
Shape the Meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared pan.
Make the Glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
Apply Glaze: Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.
Finish Baking: Continue baking for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can customize the glaze by adding a touch of hot sauce for some heat.
Leftover meatloaf makes delicious sandwiches the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Meatloaf, Ground Beef, Comfort Food