Traditional Meatloaf Recipe

The concept of meatloaf kind of makes me raise an eyebrow because, well, it’s a loaf of meat. But when it’s executed well it’s just so good. So filling, so cozy, and so delicious that I look forward to eating the leftovers over the next few days (hello meatloaf sandwich, I’m looking at you). This Classic Homemade Meatloaf recipe is the traditional meatloaf that we all know and love—tender, juicy, full of flavor, and with the perfectly tangy tomato glaze on top. It’s so perfect when paired with mashed potatoes and green beans. Like a plate of pure comfort!

Milk. The secret to good meatloaf is milk. It sounds weird, but it makes a HUGE difference. Milk hydrates the breadcrumbs that are used as a binder in meatloaf, which keeps the loaf super moist and tender.

During the testing phase for this recipe, I made one without the milk just to see if really made a difference and I’m here to say that the difference was ENORMOUS. The meatloaf without milk was dense, a little tough, and notably drier than the meatloaf made with milk. So don’t skip it! P.S. I’m sure that non-dairy milk would have the same effect.

There are two camps when it comes to meatloaf: baking in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet. I’m team baking sheet, but I think ultimately it’s going to boil down to personal preference. I find that loaf pans don’t allow for quite enough evaporation so the bottom can get a little soupy. Baking sheets allow for a little more evaporation, leaving the meatloaf perfectly juicy and flavorful.

But if shaping is difficult for you or you want those perfect square edges, you might prefer a loaf pan.

There are a couple of tricks to making a meatloaf that holds together in nice slices. Here are a few tips:

My favorite pairing for meatloaf is what I have pictured here, Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans. It’s so simple, classic, and balanced with the meatloaf and its tangy glaze. But here are some other good side dishes for meatloaf:

Classic Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf recipe is just like the traditional meatloaf grandma used to make. Tender and juicy with the perfect tomato glaze!

Prep: 15min

Total: 65min

Yield: 10

Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 slice, calories 204 kcal, Carbohydrate 10 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 11 g, Sodium 465 mg, Fiber 1 g

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg ($0.21)
• 1/3 cup milk ($0.14)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.02)
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs ($0.32)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.10)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
• 1 tsp salt ($0.02)
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
• 1/2 cup minced onion ($0.14)
• 1.5 lbs. ground beef (85/15) ($8.03)
• 1/2 cup ketchup ($0.40)
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.02)
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.06)
• 1 tsp yellow mustard ($0.03)

Instruction:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a small bowl whisk together the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. In a separate small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mince the onion.
2. Add the ground beef, egg mixture, breadcrumb mixture, and minced onion to a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. Avoid over mixing.
3. Place the meatloaf mixture on a rimmed baking dish and shape it into a loaf that is approximately 4-inches wide, 8-inches long, and 2-inches tall.
4. In a separate small bowl, stir together the glaze ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard). Spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
5. Bake the meatloaf for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, then slice and serve.

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

This traditional meatloaf recipe is just like mom used to make, made with ground beef and a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze topping.

Prep: 10min

Total: 65min

Yield: 10

Serving Size: 1 /10th of the meatloaf

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 /10th of the meatloaf, calories 164 kcal, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Protein 11.7 g, Fat 5.7 g, Saturated Fat 2.2 g, Cholesterol 49.9 mg, Sodium 399.3 mg, Fiber 0.6 g, Sugar 6.7 g

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 2 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. dried parsley leaves
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• For the Topping:
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

Instruction:

1. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, add the beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Use your hands to mush and mix these ingredients together until well combined.*
3. Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan. Pat the meat down into an even layer.
4. In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup ketchup, the brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir to combine. Pour the sauce on top of the meatloaf and spread it into an even layer.
5. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes.
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 8-10 minutes before serving (or it may fall apart).**

Classic Family Meatloaf Recipe