If there’s one dish that instantly brings warmth to the table and puts a smile on everyone’s face, it’s the Best Meatloaf Recipe. This classic comfort food is tender, flavorful, and glazed to sweet-savory perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to create the ultimate leftovers for tomorrow’s sandwiches, this beloved meatloaf checks every box. With a blend of juicy beef, tangy glaze, and just the right seasoning, it’s destined to become your go-to family favorite—and you’ll soon see why everyone raves about this Best Meatloaf Recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Best Meatloaf Recipe is all about getting big flavor from simple pantry staples. Every ingredient is selected to build incredible taste, lightly bind, and give you that moist, sliceable texture everyone loves.

Ground Beef (2 pounds, 85/15): The ideal fat ratio gives the meatloaf juiciness without being greasy.
Bread Crumbs (1 cup): Bring everything together, capturing moisture and creating a tender bite.
Milk (3/4 cup): Softens the breadcrumbs and keeps the meatloaf extra moist.
Eggs (2 large): Key for binding the mixture and holding your loaf together.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and texture throughout each slice.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough to infuse big, savory flavor into the meatloaf base.
Ketchup (1/4 cup): Lends a touch of sweetness and classic tang to the mix.
Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): Deepens the umami flavor and adds savory complexity.
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Offers a zippy, sharp kick that brightens every bite.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle heat and balances the richness perfectly.
Ketchup (1/3 cup, for glaze): Serves as a glossy canvas for your sweet, tangy topping.
Brown Sugar (2 tbsp, for glaze): Caramelizes as it bakes, making the glaze irresistibly sticky.
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp, for glaze): Brings brightness that cuts through the savory notes.

How to Make Best Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease a standard loaf pan if you prefer classic, thick slices. The right setup ensures your meatloaf won’t stick and bakes evenly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Here’s the key: gently mix everything with your hands or a spoon—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender. Mix just until all the ingredients are mingled evenly.

Step 3: Shape and Transfer the Loaf

Transfer your meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or into your loaf pan. Use your hands to shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, making sure it’s compact but not pressed too tightly. Keeping things a bit loose helps the Best Meatloaf Recipe cook up moist and juicy.

Step 4: Make and Apply the Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together the glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar dissolves. Generously brush or spread half the glaze over the top and sides of the loaf. This first coat seals in moisture and builds a beautifully sticky surface as the meatloaf bakes.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze Again

Place your meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. After this time, take it out, carefully brush on the remaining glaze, then return it to the oven for another 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbling and glossy.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Once your Best Meatloaf Recipe is baked to perfection, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This pause helps the juices settle, so every slice stays moist and glorious. Now you’re ready to serve and watch the comfort-food smiles spread!

How to Serve Best Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or chives scattered on top add a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. For a cozy touch, consider a few turns of cracked black pepper or an extra drizzle of warm glaze just before serving.

Side Dishes

The Best Meatloaf Recipe pairs deliciously with buttery mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or classic roasted carrots. A big, leafy salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette offers fantastic contrast to the savory-sweet loaf—and of course, don’t forget warm rolls to mop up every last bit of glaze!

Creative Ways to Present

Try mini meatloaf muffins for personal portions, or stack thin meatloaf slices atop creamy polenta for a restaurant-style twist. Leftover slices are phenomenal in grilled sandwiches with melty cheese and pickles—trust me, you’ll want to make extra just for tomorrow’s lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover slices completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for stress-free weeknight dinners or next-day sandwiches that taste just as tempting as the night before.

Freezing

This Best Meatloaf Recipe is freezer-friendly! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze before baking, assemble and glaze the loaf, then freeze—bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C), covered with foil to lock in moisture, until warmed through. Single servings also microwave well, but cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. A splash of beef broth on top can help revive that just-baked texture.

FAQs

How do I keep meatloaf from falling apart?

Proper binding is key—make sure to use the full amount of eggs and breadcrumbs, and don’t skip the milk! Gently mixing the ingredients also helps the Best Meatloaf Recipe hold its shape while remaining tender.

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! A mix of ground beef and ground pork adds extra juiciness and flavor. You can even try ground turkey, but make sure to use dark meat and a bit of extra fat to avoid dryness.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

Oats (quick or old-fashioned), crushed saltines, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs all work well. They soak up the liquids beautifully and help keep your Best Meatloaf Recipe moist and cohesive.

How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?

The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer—the center should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the loaf feels firm when pressed lightly.

Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble and glaze the loaf up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time so it heats evenly from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Best Meatloaf Recipe a spot on your table—it’s the kind of dish that never fails to bring people together, and it’s so simple to make. Whether you enjoy it for Sunday dinner or as an easy make-ahead meal, each bite is pure cozy comfort. Give it a try—your next favorite family tradition is just a slice away!

Best Meatloaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Meatloaf Recipe is a classic comfort food dish that delivers juicy and flavorful results. Made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, this meatloaf is topped with a tangy glaze for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef (85/15)
1 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the glaze:

1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet or loaf pan.
Mix the meatloaf: Combine all main meatloaf ingredients in a bowl and gently mix. Shape into a loaf on the baking sheet or pan.
Prepare the glaze: Mix the glaze ingredients and spread half over the meatloaf.
Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, then add the remaining glaze. Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.