This Meatloaf Recipe is the kind of cozy, dependable dinner that never goes out of style. It is tender, flavorful, and topped with a sweet tangy glaze that makes every slice extra satisfying. Whether you are making it for a weeknight family meal or a comforting weekend dinner, this classic dish is simple and always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This meatloaf is wonderfully juicy, rich, and packed with savory flavor from onion, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. It is easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks. The glaze adds a delicious balance of sweetness and tang, and the whole recipe feels hearty, family-friendly, and comforting.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 80% lean
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled onion, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix just until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- While it bakes, make the sauce by stirring together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and continue baking for 20 more minutes. This Meatloaf Recipe is ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
Use 80% to 85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, or the texture may become dense. Sautéing the onion before mixing it into the loaf helps soften its flavor and improves the final texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For extra moisture, you can add a splash more milk if the mixture feels too firm.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, nut-free; can be made gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs
Notes
This recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. Fresh parsley can be swapped with dried parsley if needed, though fresh gives better flavor. You can also shape the loaf in a loaf pan, but baking it free-form on a sheet pan gives better browning. For a slightly sweeter glaze, add a little extra brown sugar.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 23g
FAQ
Can I make this Meatloaf Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the loaf mixture and shape it up to one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
This usually happens when there is not enough binder. Eggs and breadcrumbs help hold everything together, and resting the loaf before slicing is also important.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs work well. Panko gives a slightly lighter texture.
How do I know when meatloaf is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. The center should reach 160°F.
Can I freeze cooked meatloaf?
Yes, let it cool completely, then wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze.
What should I serve with meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, corn, green beans, or dinner rolls all make excellent sides.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze tightly wrapped slices or the full loaf for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven, covered, at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual slices in short intervals.
Similar Recipes
Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy, Easy, Classic Dinner
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 85% or 80% lean
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled onion, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix just until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- While it bakes, make the sauce by stirring together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and continue baking for 20 more minutes. This Meatloaf Recipe is ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Conclusion
This Meatloaf Recipe is a true comfort food classic that is easy enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough for a family gathering. With its juicy interior, flavorful seasonings, and glossy sweet tangy glaze, it is a recipe you will want to keep on repeat. Once you try this homemade version, it is easy to see why it remains such a timeless favorite.