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The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe
5 from 6,300 votes

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.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
55 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 164 kcal
Course: Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 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

    Cup of Yum
  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

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: 10 slices

Amount Per Serving

Calories 164

% 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.