This cozy, homestyle favorite truly lives up to its name: The Best Meatloaf Recipe delivers unbeatable comfort and unforgettable flavor in every tender slice. Moist and juicy on the inside, with a caramelized tangy glaze on top, this meatloaf is the stuff of family legend. Whether you grew up loving meatloaf night or you’re looking for a perfect make-ahead meal, this recipe effortlessly strikes that delicious balance of savory, sweet, and herby notes. Get ready to dig in and discover why so many say this is the only meatloaf recipe you’ll ever need!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for The Best Meatloaf Recipe couldn’t be easier. Each component plays a starring role in building layers of texture, juiciness, and irresistible flavor—the kind that has everyone coming back for seconds. Here’s how each piece brings this classic to life:

½ medium onion (diced): Sautéed onions add a mellow sweetness and extra moisture to the meatloaf.
1 teaspoon butter: Just enough to gently cook those onions until they’re meltingly soft.
2 eggs: Eggs are the binding agents that keep your loaf together and tender.
¾ cup milk: This is the secret to a luxuriously moist meatloaf crumb.
¾ cup Italian bread crumbs (or seasoned breadcrumbs): These soak up the milk and add a flavorful foundation.
2 pounds lean ground beef: The heart of the dish—choose lean but not too lean for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
1 tablespoon ketchup (or chili sauce): A spoonful in the meat lends a tangy kick.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the loaf with savory, aromatic herbs.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley): Parsley brings color and a fresh, bright finish.
1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste): Seasoning is key, so don’t skimp!
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds the just-right amount of gentle heat.
½ cup chili sauce (see note): For the zesty, slightly spicy component of the signature glaze.
½ cup ketchup: Sweet, tangy, and the backbone of the classic meatloaf topping.
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional): Stirred into the glaze, this gives a hint of caramel sweetness and sheen.

How to Make The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil for effortless clean-up and a perfectly cooked bottom. Give it a light spray with cooking spray to ensure the meatloaf lifts away easily—no sticking, no fuss.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add your diced onion and butter to a small skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, just until the onions are soft and translucent, but not browned. This step unlocks a gentle sweetness from the onion that blends right into the meatloaf. Let the cooked onions cool completely before mixing them into your meat mixture for the best texture.

Step 3: Soak the Breadcrumbs

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, then stir in the breadcrumbs. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes. This soaking step transforms breadcrumbs into a soft, creamy binder that guarantees your meatloaf stays light, tender, and oh-so-moist.

Step 4: Build the Meatloaf Mixture

Add the cooled onions, ground beef, 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper directly to the bowl with your eggy breadcrumb mixture. Gently mix everything together by hand or with a fork—just until combined! This is a big secret behind The Best Meatloaf Recipe: over-mixing can make it tough, so stop as soon as everything is blended.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Form your meatloaf mixture into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf right on your prepared pan. Don’t pack it too tightly; a gently-shaped loaf bakes up juicy and delicious. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 6: Mix and Glaze

While the meatloaf bakes, stir together the remaining chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar if using—this luscious sauce is the crowning glory of The Best Meatloaf Recipe. After 40 minutes, spread the glaze generously over the top and bake for another 15–30 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 160°F in the center. For a glossy, caramelized finish, briefly broil the glaze for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Once baked through, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This rest locks in all those precious juices, making for the most sliceable, tender meatloaf you’ve ever had. Now you’re ready to serve up hearty slices of The Best Meatloaf Recipe!

How to Serve The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over the top adds a vibrant pop of green and a little extra freshness. You could also try thinly-sliced green onions or even a few grinds of cracked black pepper for a rustic touch that makes each slice irresistible.

Side Dishes

The Best Meatloaf Recipe is just begging to be paired with classic sides! Serve it up with buttery mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or steamed green beans for a balanced, comforting dinner. Crusty bread or homemade dinner rolls are perfect for catching every drop of glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Next-level presentation? Try slicing the meatloaf thick and topping each piece with a spoonful of glaze and a scattering of crispy fried onions. For a cozy family meal, arrange slices on a platter over a swirl of mashed potatoes, or make meatloaf sandwiches for lunch the next day—just layer it between toasted bread with a swipe of extra sauce and leafy greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatloaf keeps beautifully! Wrap cooled slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making next-day sandwiches totally crave-worthy.

Freezing

If you want The Best Meatloaf Recipe ready at a moment’s notice, freeze slices or the whole baked (and cooled) loaf. Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can even freeze the unbaked loaf for a super quick weeknight dinner.

Reheating

To keep your meatloaf moist when reheating, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. For a speedy fix, you can microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate, adding a spoonful of water and covering loosely to trap steam—this keeps everything juicy!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! The Best Meatloaf Recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or pork—or even a blend. Keep in mind that leaner meats may need a drizzle of olive oil or some extra milk for moisture.

Why did my meatloaf fall apart?

If your meatloaf is a little crumbly, it usually means the mixture wasn’t moist enough or it needed a little more binder (like egg or soaked breadcrumbs). Be sure to soak those breadcrumbs, and resist the urge to over-mix, as that can affect how well your loaf holds together.

Do I have to cook the onions first?

Sautéing the onions before mixing is strongly recommended for The Best Meatloaf Recipe. It mellows their bite and infuses the meat with extra flavor. Raw onions can release moisture during baking, potentially making the loaf gummy in spots.

How do I tell when my meatloaf is fully cooked?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer—your meatloaf is done when the center hits 160°F. If you slice in and see any pink, pop it back in for a few more minutes to finish completely.

Can I make The Best Meatloaf Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the loaf mixture up to a day ahead, shape it, and refrigerate wrapped tightly until ready to bake. Or, bake it completely, cool, and store for easy reheating the next day. Either way, it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or big family meals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that nostalgic, crowd-pleasing meal that always gets rave reviews, The Best Meatloaf Recipe is it. It’s comfort food at its most satisfying and welcoming. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular star at your dinner table!

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

This classic meatloaf recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With a perfect blend of ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, topped with a tangy sauce, it’s a hearty dish the whole family will love.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Cook onions in butter until tender and cool.
In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Add ground beef, cooked onions, ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt & pepper. Mix until combined.
Form a loaf on the baking pan. Bake for 40 minutes.
Make the sauce by combining chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Spread over meatloaf and bake for 15-30 minutes more until cooked through.
Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For added flavor, you can sauté garlic with the onions.
Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
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 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef