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The Best Meatloaf Recipe

This is the best meatloaf recipe ever. It is so easy to make and comes out perfectly juicy every time!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 403 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ½ medium onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a small pan, cook onions in butter over medium low heat until tender. Let them cool completely.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. 
  4. 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.
  5. Form a 8"x4" loaf on the prepared baking pan and bake for 40 minutes. 
  6. 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.
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. 

Notes

  • Chili Sauce: Chili sauce is not spicy, it tastes like a very zesty ketchup with more tang and less sweetness. (Find chili sauce near the ketchup at the store). If you don't have chili sauce, use extra ketchup or even a bit of BBQ sauce if you'd like.
  • Optional Additions: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce can be added to the beef mixture. Onions can be added without cooking but may not soften as well and will have a stronger flavor.
  • Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense meatloaf.
  • Use Lean Meat: Use 80/20 for great flavor without making it greasy.
  • Add flavors and moisture: Don't skip the seasonings and soak the breadcrumbs in milk to keep the meatloaf flavorful and moist.
  • Skip the Loaf Pan: Use a baking pan instead of a loaf pan. This gives the meatloaf a nice crust. A loaf pan causes the meat to steam, and there's nowhere for the drippings to go. 
  • *Cooking Time: I cook my meatloaf for a total of 55 minutes at the size directed in the recipe. Different ovens, pans, or the temperature of the meat could require extra cooking time. 
  • Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest once it comes out of the oven to help redistribute the juices and make sure it won't fall apart when sliced.

Nutrition Information

Calories 403 (20%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 110mg (37%) Sodium 633mg (26%) Potassium 511mg (15%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 411IU (8%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 88mg (9%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 403

% 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.