Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Delicious, Easy, and Packed with Flavor

Photo byAngie Bright

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a classic, homemade meatloaf. This dish has been a family favorite for generations, offering warmth, simplicity, and a flavor that’s deeply satisfying. Whether served on a weeknight or at a family gathering, the perfect meatloaf can bring everyone to the table with its rich, hearty taste and tender texture.

The secret to making the best meatloaf lies in using a combination of high-quality ingredients and a few easy steps that allow you to whip up a meal that feels like home. Ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, onions, and a few pantry staples come together in harmony to create a loaf that’s moist and packed with flavor. And let’s not forget the tangy, slightly sweet glaze that ties it all together — it’s the cherry on top of this classic comfort dish.

A Perfectly Balanced Recipe This meatloaf recipe is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, combining the richness of beef with the zing of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. The breadcrumbs and egg ensure the loaf holds together without becoming too dense, while the milk keeps it moist. As it bakes, the flavors meld together, creating an irresistible dish that’s simple yet satisfying.

The best part about this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Want more spice? Add a bit more Worcestershire or a pinch of chili powder. Prefer it on the sweeter side? Increase the brown sugar in the glaze. The possibilities are endless.

Recipe: The Best Meatloaf
Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, but be careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatloaf.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you prefer a more well-done loaf, leave it in the oven for a little longer.
5. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together ketchup, a pinch of salt and pepper, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a small amount of brown sugar.
6. After the meatloaf has baked for an hour, remove it from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return the loaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to set the glaze.
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

The Final Bite
Meatloaf is more than just a meal — it’s a tradition. Its heartiness and straightforward preparation make it an all-time favorite, perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying some leftovers the next day. The savory taste of beef paired with the bold, tangy glaze is what makes this dish truly exceptional. So, whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for the family, this meatloaf recipe is sure to be a hit every time.

Here are a few reliable sources where you can find excellent meatloaf recipes, each with slight variations and helpful cooking tips:

1. Spend with Pennies offers a straightforward recipe with lean ground beef and a savory glaze. This version emphasizes the importance of using seasoned breadcrumbs and cooking onions before mixing them into the meatloaf to enhance flavor. It also provides tips for making a crust by avoiding the loaf pan method​Spend With Pennies.
2. The Wholesome Dish shares a classic meatloaf recipe that is known for its balance of flavors, combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in the glaze. This recipe focuses on not overworking the meat mixture, ensuring a tender and moist meatloaf​The Wholesome Dish.
3. AllRecipes provides a popular version of meatloaf that includes extra-lean ground beef with a small amount of sour cream for added richness. They also emphasize sautéing vegetables to avoid raw onion flavors, making it perfect for those looking for a more refined version of this comfort food​Allrecipes.

These recipes offer a variety of methods to create delicious meatloaf with flavorful glazes, each giving you flexibility in the ingredients you can use depending on your taste preferences. You can explore the links provided to find the version that suits you best!