Perfect Classic Meatloaf: Moist & Flavorful Recipe

When it comes to traditional comfort food, few dishes evoke nostalgia quite like a classic meatloaf. This hearty dish is not just a staple in American homes; its simplicity and rich flavors have made it a loved recipe through generations.

Classic MeatloafPhoto byThyme of Season

When meatloaf is made right, it’s absolutely amazing. It’s hearty, comforting, and super tasty, making it exciting to enjoy the leftovers for days (meatloaf sandwich comes to mind). This Homemade Meatloaf recipe is the classic version we all adore—moist, flavorful, and topped with a deliciously tangy tomato glaze. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green beans, creating a dish that’s pure comfort food! Or you can serve it with mushroom parmesan rice for a fancy meal!

Ingredients for the Perfect Meatloaf

To create a classic meatloaf, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ cup minced white onion
• 1.5 pounds ground beef (85/15)

For the Meatloaf Topping:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

This combination of ingredients ensures a moist and flavorful meatloaf, ideal for cozy fall family dinners.

How to Make this Classic Meatloaf Recipe

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF.
2. Chop the onion finely. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce with a whisk.
4. In another small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Now, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg mixture, breadcrumb mix, and minced onion. Get in there with your hands and mix everything until it’s well blended, but don’t go overboard.
6. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a baking dish with edges and shape it into a loaf that’s about 4 inches wide, 8 inches long, and 2 inches tall.
7. For the glaze, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a small bowl. Spread this glaze all over the top and sides of your meatloaf.
8. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until it hits an internal temperature of 165ºF. Once it’s done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your classic meatloaf warm, accompanied by mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. This recipe is sure to create lasting memories around the dinner table!