This Best Meatloaf Recipe is tender, juicy, flavorful, and topped with a rich tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Made with simple pantry staples and lean ground beef, this comforting dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family meals, or meal prep. If you are looking for a classic homemade meatloaf that turns out moist every time, this recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple everyday ingredients
- Moist and flavorful with a perfectly tender texture
- Family-friendly comfort food everyone enjoys
- Delicious sweet and tangy meatloaf sauce
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Freezer-friendly and budget-friendly
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Meatloaf Sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a small skillet, cook the diced onion with butter over medium-low heat until soft and tender. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
- Add the ground beef, cooled onions, ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the Best Meatloaf Recipe tender and juicy.
- Shape the meat mixture into an 8×4-inch loaf and place it on the prepared baking pan.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, stir together the chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the meatloaf and return it to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you want a caramelized topping.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture or the meatloaf can become dense.
- Letting the breadcrumb mixture soak helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness, but dried parsley works well too.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or grated parmesan cheese.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked without drying out.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so the juices redistribute evenly.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High protein, family-friendly
Notes
- Chili sauce gives the glaze its classic tangy flavor, but extra ketchup can be used if needed.
- Ground turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter variation.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or dinner rolls.
- Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches the next day.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
FAQ
What makes the Best Meatloaf Recipe moist?
The combination of milk, eggs, breadcrumbs, and sautéed onions helps lock in moisture and keeps the meatloaf tender.
Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the loaf up to one day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely. Wrap cooked or uncooked meatloaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
What is the best meat for meatloaf?
Lean ground beef works best because it provides flavor while preventing excess grease.
Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
Too little binder or slicing before resting can cause meatloaf to crumble.
Can I use oats instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes. Quick oats can replace breadcrumbs in equal amounts.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F or microwave until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Best Meatloaf Recipe
This Best Meatloaf Recipe is juicy, tender, and packed with savory flavor.Made with lean ground beef and a tangy homemade glaze.Perfect for easy family dinners and comforting weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Meatloaf Sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a small skillet, cook the diced onion with butter over medium-low heat until soft and tender. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
- Add the ground beef, cooled onions, ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the Best Meatloaf Recipe tender and juicy.
- Shape the meat mixture into an 8×4-inch loaf and place it on the prepared baking pan.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, stir together the chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the meatloaf and return it to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you want a caramelized topping.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Chili sauce gives the glaze its classic tangy flavor, but extra ketchup can be used if needed.
- Ground turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter variation.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or dinner rolls.
- Leftover meatloaf makes excellent sandwiches the next day.
Conclusion
This Best Meatloaf Recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner with juicy beef, savory seasonings, and a delicious tangy glaze. It is easy enough for a weeknight meal yet satisfying enough for family gatherings and special dinners. Once you try this homemade meatloaf, it is sure to become a regular favorite at your table.