The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

User Reviews

5

6,300 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    55 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 5 mins

  • Servings

    10 slices

  • Calories

    164 kcal

  • Cuisine

    American

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe blends lean ground beef with bread crumbs, milk, onion, and seasonings to form a moist, well-textured loaf. Topped with a sweet and tangy sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar, this meatloaf bakes to a tender, flavorful main dish that benefits from a resting period to hold its shape when sliced. It’s a traditional comfort food staple with balanced seasoning.

Description

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe uses lean ground beef combined thoroughly with dried bread crumbs, diced onion, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings such as parsley, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. The mixture’s thorough mixing is key for a moist meatloaf that holds together without becoming mushy.

This mixture is pressed into a loaf pan, topped with a ketchup, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar glaze, then baked uncovered for nearly an hour. The glaze caramelizes on top, adding a sweet and tangy crust to the tender meat beneath. Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps keep it intact and makes serving easier.

This classic meatloaf delivers hearty, balanced flavors and a comforting texture ideal for family dinners. It can be sliced and served directly or removed from the pan with care for plating.

Using two thin spatulas or lining the pan with parchment paper can help in removing the meatloaf cleanly. Mixing well is essential to prevent softness, ensuring a satisfying texture.

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Ingredients

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

Instructions

  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).**

Notes

  • Mix the meat mixture thoroughly to ensure a moist yet firm meatloaf.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 8–10 minutes after baking to prevent it from falling apart when sliced.
  • Use two thin spatulas or line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1/10th of the meatloaf Calories 164kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 14.8g (5%) Protein 11.7g (23%) Fat 5.7g (9%) Saturated Fat 2.2g (11%) Cholesterol 49.9mg (17%) Sodium 399.3mg (17%) Fiber 0.6g (2%) Sugar 6.7g (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10slices

Amount Per Serving

Calories 164 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/10th of the meatloaf
Calories 164kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 14.8g 5%
Protein 11.7g 23%
Fat 5.7g 9%
Saturated Fat 2.2g 11%
Cholesterol 49.9mg 17%
Sodium 399.3mg 17%
Fiber 0.6g 2%
Sugar 6.7g 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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