Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With a perfect balance of seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a delicious glaze, this homemade meatloaf is tender and satisfying. Whether served with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, it’s a family-friendly dish that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients that come together quickly
- Juicy and tender texture with a flavorful crust
- Perfect for meal prep with great leftovers
- Customizable with different seasonings and add-ins
- A delicious glaze that adds a sweet and tangy touch
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- Egg
- Milk
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan.
- Make the glaze by mixing ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf, reserving the rest for later.
- Bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cheesy Meatloaf: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the mixture for extra richness.
- Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap bacon slices around the meatloaf before baking for added smoky flavor.
- Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Spicy Meatloaf: Add chopped jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
Using eggs and breadcrumbs helps bind the meatloaf together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make it too dense.
What type of meat is best for meatloaf?
A mix of ground beef and pork adds great flavor and moisture, but you can use just beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Can I make meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or panko as a substitute.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
Overcooking or using lean meat without enough fat can make meatloaf dry. Adding milk and not overmixing helps keep it juicy.
Should I cover meatloaf while baking?
It’s not necessary, but if the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during baking.
How do I know when my meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Can I prepare meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I serve with meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad pair well with meatloaf.
Can I make a gluten-free meatloaf?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
What can I use instead of ketchup for the glaze?
Barbecue sauce, tomato paste with honey, or a mix of mustard and brown sugar are great alternatives.
Conclusion
This homemade meatloaf is an easy and delicious dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. With its juicy texture and flavorful glaze, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether served fresh or as leftovers, this classic dish is always a winner!
Print
Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade meatloaf is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With a delicious glaze, tender texture, and simple ingredients, this classic comfort food is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture – In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf – Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan.
- Make the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
- Apply the First Layer of Glaze – Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Final Glaze & Resting – Remove from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve – Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Best Meat for Meatloaf: A mix of ground beef and pork creates the juiciest meatloaf, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- Prevent Dryness: Avoid overmixing the meat and use milk, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce to keep it moist.
- Alternative Binders: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers, oats, or panko.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Storage & Reheating:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months (wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil).
- Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in short intervals.
How many does this feed??