The Best Meatloaf Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Additional Time
10 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
403 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Description
This meatloaf begins by gently cooking diced onions in butter until tender, which adds sweetness and moisture. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk blend with beaten eggs to hydrate and bind the mixture, preventing dryness. Ground beef combined with Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper creates the base for the loaf. Shaping the mixture into an 8 by 4-inch loaf on a lined pan allows for even baking and a desirable crust.
During the final minutes of baking, a sauce made from ketchup, chili sauce, and optional brown sugar coats the top, introducing a tangy glaze that caramelizes slightly in the oven. Once cooked through to 160°F and rested, the meatloaf holds together well and slices cleanly.
Serving the meatloaf with classic sides complements its savory and slightly sweet flavor. The recipe’s instructions stress avoiding overmixing to keep texture tender and recommend lean ground beef for balance between flavor and grease control.
Variations include substituting or omitting chili sauce, adding ingredients like Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for depth, and skipping loaf pans to promote a crustier exterior. Adjust cooking time based on oven and loaf size to ensure doneness.
Ingredients
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 egg
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley, chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Meatloaf Sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce see note
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- In a small pan, cook onions in butter over medium low heat until tender. Let them cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, cooked onions, 1 Tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, and salt & pepper to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Form a 8"x4" loaf on the prepared baking pan and bake for 40 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is cooking, combine the chili sauce and ketchup (and brown sugar if using) to make Meatloaf Sauce. Spread mixture over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15 - 30 minutes or until cooked through and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F*. Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Chili sauce adds tangy flavor similar to zesty ketchup; if unavailable, extra ketchup or barbecue sauce can be used.
- Adding Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the meat flavor but is optional.
- Mix the ingredients just until combined to prevent a dense meatloaf.
- Use 80/20 ground beef for good flavor without excess grease.
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
- Baking on a pan instead of a loaf pan encourages a crusty exterior and better drainage of drippings.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to redistribute juices and aid slicing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 403 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 403 | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 633mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 511mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 411IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 88mg | 9% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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