This Best Meatloaf Recipe is a must-try classic comfort food that is juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. Ground beef, seasoned with onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, and milk, creates a perfectly tender and moist meatloaf, while the sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking, enhancing the overall flavor. Whether you are making it for a family dinner or meal prepping, this meatloaf will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 80% lean)

• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup), finely chopped

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 2 large eggs

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)

• ⅓ cup milk

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

For the Glaze:

• ¾ cup ketchup

• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

Directions

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Sauté onions: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly.

3. Make the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing).

4. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall.

5. Bake: Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 40 minutes.

6. Prepare the glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

7. Glaze the meatloaf: After 40 minutes, spread the glaze over the meatloaf and return it to the oven for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

8. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 338

• Carbs: 17g

• Protein: 24g

• Fat: 19g

The History and Popularity of Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a quintessential comfort food in many cultures, especially in North America. It’s believed that the dish originated in the United States in the 19th century, where it was often made as a way to stretch inexpensive cuts of meat. Ground meat was mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings to create a loaf-shaped dish that could feed many people on a budget. Over time, meatloaf has evolved, and various regional variations have emerged, incorporating different flavors, fillings, and toppings.

Despite its humble origins, meatloaf remains a beloved dish. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to option for home cooks. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, meatloaf pairs perfectly with many sides, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The Best Meatloaf Recipe takes this classic dish to the next level, ensuring a flavor-packed experience with every bite.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Meatloaf

The foundation of any good meatloaf is, of course, the meat. Ground beef is the most common choice, and for this recipe, using beef that’s around 85-90% lean is ideal. This gives the meatloaf a good balance of fat and lean meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful loaf. While you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, ground beef provides the best texture and flavor for a traditional meatloaf.

In addition to the ground beef, the seasoning blend is essential for a flavorful meatloaf. A combination of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning enhances the savory profile of the meat, making it aromatic and delicious. The inclusion of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and brightness, balancing the richness of the meat.

Breadcrumbs are a crucial element in any meatloaf, providing structure and moisture. Panko breadcrumbs, in particular, are light and airy, which helps create a fluffy texture that ensures the meatloaf doesn’t become dense. The addition of milk to the mixture also helps keep the meatloaf moist while binding the ingredients together.

Lastly, the glaze is what sets this recipe apart. The glaze is a simple combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and white vinegar. It adds sweetness, tanginess, and a beautiful caramelized finish to the meatloaf, making it irresistible. The glaze also helps keep the top of the meatloaf moist and flavorful during the baking process.

Making the Perfect Meatloaf: Tips for Success

While the recipe itself is simple, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results with your meatloaf. One key point is to avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture. When combining the ingredients, be sure to mix just enough to incorporate everything. Overworking the meat can lead to a tough meatloaf, which is the opposite of what you want. Gentle mixing ensures a tender texture that’s perfect for slicing.

Another important tip is to let the meatloaf rest after it comes out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the loaf, making it easier to slice and ensuring each piece remains moist. Resting the meatloaf for 10-15 minutes before cutting is crucial for the best texture and flavor.

When it comes to the glaze, feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your preferences. If you like a sweeter glaze, you can add a bit more brown sugar, or for a tangier version, you can increase the amount of vinegar. The glaze is fully customizable to suit your taste, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Serving Suggestions for Meatloaf

Best Meatloaf Recipe is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides, making it a complete meal. One of the most classic accompaniments to meatloaf is mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes contrasts beautifully with the hearty meatloaf, creating a satisfying and comforting plate. If you’re looking for something lighter, roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a perfect pairing. The slight caramelization of the vegetables complements the savory flavor of the meatloaf, adding balance to the meal.

For a more complete meal, you can also serve meatloaf with a side of gravy or a simple salad. A tangy vinaigrette salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatloaf, while gravy adds an extra layer of savory flavor. For a more traditional approach, consider serving the meatloaf with baked potatoes or a hearty soup.

Meatloaf for Meal Prepping

One of the great things about Best Meatloaf Recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. If you make a large batch, the leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, allowing you to enjoy the delicious meatloaf for multiple meals. Meatloaf also freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time and store individual slices in the freezer for a quick meal on busy days.

To freeze meatloaf, let it cool completely after baking, then slice it into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the meatloaf in the oven or microwave for a fast and satisfying meal.

Why This Meatloaf is a Must-Try

What sets Best Meatloaf Recipe apart from other meatloaf recipes is its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture. The combination of beef, spices, and the sweet-tangy glaze creates a meatloaf that’s savory, juicy, and full of flavor. Unlike many dry, bland meatloafs, this recipe ensures that every bite is tender and packed with delicious taste.

The glaze gives the meatloaf an added layer of sweetness and tang, while the breadcrumbs and milk keep the loaf moist. The inclusion of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor, making this meatloaf a true standout. It’s a comfort food that’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion

Best Meatloaf Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves classic comfort food. With its tender, juicy texture, flavorful seasoning, and sweet-tangy glaze, this meatloaf will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prepping. Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a delicious homemade meal, this meatloaf recipe will deliver a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

By following a few simple tips and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a meatloaf that’s far superior to store-bought or pre-made versions. With its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture, this recipe will become your go-to for all your meatloaf cravings. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade meatloaf that’s sure to impress.