Classic Meatloaf Recipe

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is pure comfort food magic—juicy, flavorful, and topped with a rich tangy glaze. It’s the meatloaf you crave from your childhood but with a few little secrets for maximizing moisture and flavor in every slice.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part of this Classic Meatloaf Recipe? The ingredients list is simple—nothing fancy, just honest pantry staples that come together to make something extraordinary. Each element here plays its role in building juicy texture, savory depth, and that irresistible caramelized top.

• Ground Beef (2 lbs, 85% or 80% lean): Go for beef with some fat so your meatloaf stays moist and flavorful—skip 90% or higher, as it’s easy to dry out.
• Onion (1 cup, finely chopped): Sautéed onion brings sweetness and moisture, weaving right into every bite.
• Olive Oil (1 tsp): Just a touch for perfectly softening those onions and gently unlocking their aromatics.
• Eggs (2 large): These act as the glue, binding the meatloaf together for sturdy, neat slices.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic garlic amps up the savory notes and rounds out the flavor.
• Ketchup (2 Tbsp for meatloaf + 3/4 cup for glaze): A dash inside boosts tanginess, and the larger amount is destined for the sticky, glossy glaze.
• Fresh Parsley (3 Tbsp, finely chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color—don’t skip this!
• Panko Breadcrumbs (3/4 cup) or Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs: These soak up moisture, preventing a dense or greasy texture.
• Milk (1/3 cup): Softens the bread crumbs to ensure ultra-tender slices.
• Salt (1 tsp) & Ground Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Classic seasoning to bring everything into balance.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): That subtle herby warmth that makes you crave “one more bite.”
• White Vinegar (1 ½ tsp for glaze): A tiny splash in the glaze for just the right tangy bite.
• Brown Sugar (2 Tbsp for glaze): Sweetness caramelizes atop your meatloaf as it bakes, making the glaze next-level good.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) & Onion Powder (1/2 tsp, both for glaze): Boosts the umami in the sweet-tangy topping.

Variations

The beauty of this Classic Meatloaf Recipe is how incredibly adaptable it is! Tweak the meat, swap the seasoning, or dress it up to match cravings, dietary needs, or whatever’s in your fridge—you’ll still get a fabulous, cozy meal.

• Turkey or Pork Meatloaf: Sub half (or all) of the beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork—just bake poultry versions to 165°F for safety.
• Veggie-Loaded: Mix in finely diced bell pepper, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and extra color.
• Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant milk and gluten-free breadcrumbs for an allergy-friendly take.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for gentle heat throughout the loaf.

How to Make Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil so cleanup is a breeze (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!). Set your oven to 350°F and let it come to temperature while you prep the rest—this ensures even cooking from the very start.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add olive oil to a skillet set over medium heat, then toss in the chopped onions. Cook, stirring now and then, for about 5–7 minutes, until they’re soft and beginning to caramelize. Let them cool—this step coaxes out sweetness and keeps your meatloaf from having crunchy raw onions.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a big bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, cooled onions, minced garlic, ketchup, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with clean hands (or gloves)—but stop when just combined. Overmixing can make your loaf dense.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and shape it into a loaf, roughly 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Slide it into your oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes while you whip up that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Mix and Add the Glaze

Stir together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl until smooth. After the first 40 minutes of baking, spread this glaze all over the top of your meatloaf. Return to the oven for another 20 minutes, or until the internal temp reads 160°F.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Remove from the oven and—this is the hardest part—let your meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes. It firms up, making slicing super easy and locking all the juices inside for every bite of this Classic Meatloaf Recipe.

How to Serve Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley instantly brightens the finished dish. For a little extra color and freshness, try a few sliced green onions or even a dusting of smoked paprika across the top before serving—these easy touches make your Classic Meatloaf Recipe feel a bit fancy.

Side Dishes

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe was made for classic sides: think creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. If you’re after something lighter, try a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw—it’s all about balancing that rich, savory loaf.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, bake the meatloaf mixture in a muffin tin for adorable, single-serve “mini meatloaves” with plenty of caramelized glaze on every bite. Or, serve thin slices layered onto crusty bread with extra glaze and crunchy pickles for a showstopping meatloaf sandwich bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover slices (once fully cooled) into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after a night in the fridge, making the leftovers especially craveable for quick lunches or lazy dinners.

Freezing

This Classic Meatloaf Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole (baked and cooled) loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for comfort food on demand.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices gently in a covered baking dish at 300°F until warmed through, or use the microwave with a splash of water to keep things moist. If you still have some glaze left, add a little extra over each slice before reheating to keep the topping glossy and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a tried-and-true comfort dinner, this Classic Meatloaf Recipe belongs at the top of your list. It’s cozy, easy, and just plain delicious—give it a try, and get ready for requests for seconds (and maybe even your “secret” recipe)!

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