There’s nothing quite like a classic meatloaf — juicy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and packed with rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this delicious meatloaf recipe you’ll love is easy, hearty, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Made with simple ingredients and a mouthwatering glaze, this recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience — ready in just over an hour and bursting with homestyle goodness.
🍞 Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe
✅ Moist and juicy every time — no dry, crumbly texture here!
✅ Easy to make — perfect for busy home cooks.
✅ Customizable — add your favorite spices, veggies, or sauces.
✅ Crowd-pleasing classic — great for family dinners and leftovers.
If you’ve ever been intimidated by making meatloaf from scratch, don’t be — this step-by-step guide will help you get it perfect every time.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these staples in your pantry already!
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
½ cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Glaze:
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional but adds great flavor)
Tip: For extra richness, you can mix half ground beef and half ground pork or turkey.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking — your delicious meatloaf awaits!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Soak the Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk.
Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk — this helps keep your meatloaf moist.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
Use your hands (or a spatula) to mix gently — don’t overmix, or your meatloaf may become dense.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on your baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
Bake for 40 minutes uncovered.
Step 5: Add the Glaze
While it’s baking, whisk together your ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze.
After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly on top.
Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, keeping your slices tender and moist.
Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy! 😋
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This delicious meatloaf recipe pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides. Try it with:
Creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
Steamed green beans or broccoli 🥦
Mac and cheese for a cozy combo 🧀
Fresh garden salad for a lighter touch 🥗
Warm buttered rolls to soak up every bit of glaze 🍞
🥄 Tips for the Best Meatloaf
💡 Don’t overmix! Mix ingredients just until combined to keep your meatloaf tender.
💡 Use the right fat content. 80/20 ground beef gives the best texture and flavor.
💡 Rest before slicing. This prevents your meatloaf from falling apart.
💡 Try variations. Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cheese for extra flavor.
💡 Make it ahead. Prepare and refrigerate the loaf up to 24 hours before baking.
🌟 Flavor Variations
Want to change things up? Here are a few fun twists:
🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap strips of bacon around your loaf before baking for a smoky touch.
🧀 Cheesy Center: Add a layer of mozzarella or cheddar inside before shaping.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Mix in hot sauce or chili flakes for a bold flavor.
🌿 Healthy Swap: Use lean ground turkey or chicken and oats instead of breadcrumbs.
🥫 Leftover Ideas
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, meatloaf is even better the next day!
Meatloaf Sandwich: Slice and layer with cheese, lettuce, and ketchup on toasted bread.
Meatloaf Hash: Dice and fry with potatoes, onions, and eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Pasta Mix: Crumble leftovers into marinara sauce for a quick weeknight meal.
🍴 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approximate values (for 6 servings):
Calories: 320
Protein: 25g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
This makes for a balanced, protein-rich meal that fits right into your busy lifestyle.
❤️ Conclusion
And there you have it — a delicious meatloaf recipe you’ll love!
Juicy, flavorful, and topped with that irresistible sweet-and-savory glaze, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but comforting enough for Sunday dinner traditions.
Once you try it, you’ll see why this classic meatloaf remains one of the most-loved dishes around the world. Serve it warm, slice it thick, and enjoy every bite of that homestyle goodness! 🍽️