Meatloaf

Homemade Meatloaf is a hearty dinner that’s so easy to make. This no-fail classic recipe has a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze on top. It’s tender, juicy with so much flavor in each bite. This will be your new go-to recipe!

Everyone needs a great meatloaf recipe and I have got it for you today. This is a classic recipe that is made with simple ingredients and is the best comfort food dinner ever!

My family LOVES this dish and I make it often because it’s easy, filling, and you can pair it with all kinds of side dishes. Plus, it uses mostly pantry ingredients that I usually have on hand – I bet you have them, too.

We love it with some stovetop macaroni and cheese on the side for the ultimate comfort food dinner!

The Secret to Moist Meatloaf

There’s nothing worse than dry and dense meatloaf – we’ve all experienced it and I can promise with this recipe you won’t have that problem!

There are a few secrets to making a moist meatloaf that is tender, juicy, and delicious! It’s seriously the best ever.

• Choose the right ground beef. I think 85% lean is great for meatloaf – the fat adds a ton of moisture and flavor, but it’s not greasy. Just remember that the leaner the beef, the drier it will be when you cook it.
• Don’t skip the eggs! I like to add one egg for every pound of meat. Eggs add a lot of moisture and they also help bind the loaf so it doesn’t fall apart.
• A little bit of milk makes a big difference. I add milk to my meatloaf because it moistens the breadcrumbs which will also help create moisture.
• Use a light hand. When you mix and form the loaf, use a light hand and don’t overmix or compact the meat. If you compress the meat too much it will end up dense which can make it dry.
• Don’t forget the glaze! My simple ketchup glaze is tangy and sweet but it add more than just flavor. It also adds moisture!
• Let it rest. Once it’s baked, it’s very imporant to let it rest so the juices can redistribute back into the meat.

This is such an easy recipe and the results are amazing! There’s a reason I’ve been making it the same way for years – it’s foolproof and always gets rave reviews.

Oh, and the leftovers make the best meatloaf sandwiches!

How to Make It

In a large mixing bowl combine:

• Ground beef
• Whisked eggs
• Italian Panko bread crumbs
• Milk
• Seasoned salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Chopped yellow onion

Mix the ingredients just until combined. The easiest way to do this is with your hands – it makes it easier to mix thoroughly without overmixing.

Place the beef mixture in the prepared loaf pan. Lightly pat it to fit it into the pan. It should be in an even layer.

Make the sauce by combining:

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Prepared yellow mustard

Spread sauce over the loaf in the pan.

Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for one hour to an hour and 15 minutes. The meatloaf is done with the internal temperature is 160°F in the center.

When it’s done baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Make it a Complete Meal!

I love this dish because you can switch up the side dishes every time you make it. It never gets boring!

• Add some potatoes: We love a meat and potato dinner and love smashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or mashed potatoes with this meatloaf.
• Pair it with healthy veggies: If you want something lighter, some simple roasted veggies, crispy broccoli, or tender asparagus are so delicious.
• Pass some bread! You can’t go wrong with some easy homemade breadsticks, crescent rolls, or dinner rolls!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to make it ahead? You can assemble the meatloaf and sauce and then freeze it for up to two months. Thaw it fully and then bake it as instructed.

Leftover meatloaf will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat it in the microwave for easy lunches and dinners.

Give this family favorite a try this week and I know you won’t regret it. It turns out perfect every time! I hope you love this recipe as much as we do.

More Amazing Meatloaf Recipes

Now that you have this classic meatloaf recipe, be sure to try some of our other favorite ways to make it!

• Pinwheel Meatloaf is rolled up with a cheesy rice filling, baked, and then sliced for a pretty presentation.
• If you love Italian flavors, be sure to try my easy Italian Meatloaf. It’s loaded with flavor and stuffed with cheese!
• Make a complete meal with Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaves with Veggies!

Love this recipe? Be sure and comment below and leave a 5-star rating! I know you’ll love this delicious recipe as much as we do!

You can find more deliciousness on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats!!