Introduction
Meatloaf is the quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a nostalgic taste of home, this timeless dish has a magical way of pleasing everyone. If you’ve been searching for the perfect meatloaf recipe, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through a flavorful, moist, and easy-to-make meatloaf that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
What Makes This Meatloaf Recipe So Special?
What sets a great meatloaf apart is the balance of juicy ground meat, perfectly seasoned binders, and a sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully. This recipe uses lean ground beef mixed with aromatics like sautéed onions and garlic, fresh parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings. The glaze combines ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar to create that signature topping everyone loves.
Ingredients for Meatloaf
PrintThe Best Meatloaf Recipe
This meatloaf recipe is a classic comfort food dish that combines ground beef with sautéed onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, all baked into a moist and tender loaf. It’s topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a flavorful crust. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a hearty family meal. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for leftovers like sandwiches or reheated dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 people 1x
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean) – ensures juiciness and flavor
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Prep and Sauté Onion
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions, minced garlic, eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, fresh parsley, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Gently mix just until combined – overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf.
3. Shape and Bake
On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or foil, shape the meat mixture into an 8-inch long, 4-inch wide, and 3-inch tall loaf. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
4. Prepare the Glaze
While the meatloaf is baking, mix the glaze ingredients (ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder) in a small bowl until combined.
5. Glaze and Finish Baking
Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf, then return it to the oven for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Use 80-85% lean ground beef for the juiciest texture. You can substitute half with ground turkey, pork, or Italian sausage.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf.
- Sauté onions and garlic before mixing to mellow sharp flavors and add depth.
- Bake on a rimmed baking sheet for crispy edges and faster cooking, rather than a loaf pan.
- Rest the meatloaf after baking to redistribute juices, making it easier to slice.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the meatloaf 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezing: Freeze raw meatloaf (shaped) for up to 6 months; thaw in refrigerator before baking.
- Glaze variations: Substitute the glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2.6 g
- Sodium: 588 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0,6g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 104 mg
Keywords: Meatloaf Recipe
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate for 1 slice, 5 oz)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 | – |
| Total Fat | 15 g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 28% |
| Unsaturated Fat | ~7 g | – |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 104 mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 588 mg | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% |
| Sugar | 2.6 g | 2% |
| Protein | 24 g | 48% |
*Percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know when my meatloaf is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for poultry-based meatloaf.
Can I make meatloaf with ground turkey?
Yes, but make sure to cook it to 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. You might need to adjust moisture by adding extra milk or breadcrumbs.
What sides go well with meatloaf?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, baked asparagus, green beans, or mac and cheese.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the same quantity to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How can I prevent my meatloaf from being dry?
Avoid overmixing the meat and bake it uncovered initially to form a good crust. Also, rest the meatloaf after baking to keep it juicy.
Conclusion
This meatloaf recipe combines traditional flavors with modern techniques to deliver the juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf you’ll ever make. From the perfectly seasoned meat mixture to the irresistible glaze, it’s a dish that satisfies every time. Whether for a family dinner or a batch to enjoy as leftovers, this recipe earns its place as a timeless American classic. Cooking meatloaf from scratch is simple, rewarding, and absolutely delicious—make it part of your regular rotation today.
