Classic Homemade Meatloaf

 

This Classic Homemade Meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with old-fashioned comfort-food flavor. Made with seasoned ground beef and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, it’s an easy family dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 meatloaf
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Oven-Baked
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Meatloaf Glaze

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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parsley.

Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix the ingredients until just combined.

Avoid overmixing because this can make the finished meatloaf dense.

3. Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and gently shape it into an even loaf.

If you're using a loaf pan, gently press the mixture into the pan without packing it too tightly.

4. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir until smooth.

Spread approximately half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

5. Bake

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove it carefully from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.

Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C) on a food thermometer.

6. Let It Rest

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Resting helps the juices redistribute and makes the meatloaf easier to slice.

7. Slice and Serve

Cut the meatloaf into thick slices and serve warm.

Add extra ketchup or glaze if desired.

What to Serve With Homemade Meatloaf

Turn your meatloaf into a classic American comfort-food dinner by serving it with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Macaroni and cheese
• Buttered corn
• Roasted carrots
• Dinner rolls
• Baked potatoes
• Garden salad

For a traditional meat-and-potatoes dinner, serve a thick slice of meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.

Recipe Tips

Don't use extra-lean beef: Ground beef with some fat helps keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

Avoid overmixing: Mix the ingredients only until combined. Overworking ground beef can produce a tougher meatloaf.

Finely dice the onion: Small pieces soften more easily during baking and distribute the onion flavor throughout the meatloaf.

Use a food thermometer: Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Let it rest: Give the meatloaf approximately 10 minutes to rest before slicing so it doesn't fall apart.

Storage

Allow leftover meatloaf to cool completely.

Transfer the slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

Meatloaf also freezes well.

Wrap individual cooked slices tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through.

Individual slices can also be reheated in the microwave.

Adding a little extra ketchup or glaze before reheating can help keep the meatloaf moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What keeps meatloaf moist?

Milk, eggs, breadcrumbs, and ground beef containing some fat all help create a moist meatloaf. Avoiding overcooking is also important.

Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the meatloaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it before baking. For food safety and best quality, bake it within about 24 hours.

Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

Meatloaf can fall apart when it doesn't contain enough binding ingredients, such as eggs and breadcrumbs, or when it's sliced immediately after leaving the oven.

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted, although the flavor and texture will be different. Turkey is leaner, so take extra care not to overcook it. Ground poultry should reach 165°F (74°C).

Should meatloaf be covered while baking?

This recipe can be baked uncovered, allowing the glaze to become thick and slightly caramelized.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 930mg

Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values will vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

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