This is the best meatloaf recipe ever! This traditional meatloaf recipe is just like mom used to make, made with ground beef and a sweet and tangy glaze topping.
What Makes A Really Good Meatloaf
I think the trick to good meatloaf is using lean ground beef. The problem with a lot of meatloaf recipes is that they call for ground beef with a high fat content. As the meatloaf cooks, the fat cooks out and makes a greasy mess. Not this recipe!
How To Keep It Moist
You may be thinking, but won’t lean ground beef make the meatloaf dry? Not at all! The milk, egg, ketchup, and diced onion in the meat mixture are all working to keep the meatloaf moist and delicious.
Loaf Pan Versus Baking Sheet
I prefer to use a loaf pan because it keeps all the glaze in place perfectly and the meat is juicier. But, you could line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape. Top with the glaze. And, bake as normal.
How To Make The Best Meatloaf
*Note: This is a summary. The full printable recipe card is at the bottom of this post.
Make the Meatloaf:
- Add 90% lean ground beef to a large bowl.
- Add dried bread crumbs and some diced onion.
- Add milk, an egg, ketchup, and worcestershire sauce.
- Add dried parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Mix it together REALLY well.
- Pour the meat mixture into a loaf pan.
- Spread it into a flat even layer.
Make the Ketchup Glaze
- Add ketchup, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar to a bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Pour the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Bake it!
- Let it cool before slicing.
Can This Be Made Ahead Of Time
Absolutely! Just cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready for it. Then, uncover it and let it come to room temperature as you’re preheating the oven.
Can This Be Frozen
Yes! Prepare the meatloaf, put it in a loaf pan, and top with glaze according to the recipe directions. Cover the pan and freeze.
Place the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator to thaw about 24 hours before you want to bake it. Then, uncover it and let it come to room temperature as you’re preheating the oven.
I’ve been playing around with this recipe for the past few months, making it many times. And, I didn’t mind the repetition at all because I do believe I ended up with the best classic meatloaf recipe ever. 🙂
More Easy Comfort Food Recipes
Find more of my recipes on TikTok
The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. dried parsley leaves
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- 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.*
- Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan. Pat the meat down into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, add ¼ 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.
- Bake uncovered for 55 minutes.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 8-10 minutes before serving (or it may fall apart).**
Notes
Nutrition
Check out all of my great ground beef recipes.
My family went crazy over this recipe. The meatloaf was moist and held together well. The glaze was perfectly tangy. They are begging for this to be a weekly dish. I’m happy to do it because it was so easy to make.
Very good I also quartered potatoes and baked them on each side of meatloaf. Baked 1 hr 15 minutes at 350°
Simply…. THE BEST…AND THE EASIEST!!!
In a word..DELICIOUS!!
I have been meatloaf challenged for 30 years, but with this recipe I’ve become the queen!!😁
Thank you for this recipe. I’ve searched far and wide for a flavorful, low fat yet moist meat loaf recipe. My search is over! I omitted the W sauce and used Italian bread crumbs because that’s what I had on hand. I used plain ketchup for the topping so my grandkids would eat it. Delicious!
My husband loves this recipe!
The BEST!
The red wine vinegar based glazed makes this EPIC!
Have not made meatloaf in years this was a simple classic recipe that did not disappoint. Flavourful and hearty will definitely make again. Used parchment paper for easy cleanup and letting it sit for 10 min allowed for a firm meatloaf to cut… no crumble here YUM
This meatloaf was delicious!!
Will keep to use again : )
This is the only meatloaf recipe I use it is certainly the best ever a classic five star
Great meatloaf! I baked it in a non- stick baking pan with potatoes. I can’t wait to make it again.
What size bread pan ?????? for the meatloaf !!!!
Love it
I found this recipe because my husband requested a Classic Meatloaf just like he had as a kid. I found this recipe and it was EXACTLY what he wanted. It has since become a family favorite. I have made it more times than I can count. It turns out perfect every time. I highly recommend it! I have made it exactly as it is written every time and it never lets me down.
Quick, easy, tasty! I added mustard and Italian seasoning and served with mashed potatoes and salad
Truly the best classic meat loaf though I made a small change. In place of bread crumbs, I crushed Pepperidge Farm herb dressing.
Loved this recipe.
I loved this recipe
It is my classic, go-to favorite recipe.
The easiest, yet most delicious and healthiest meatloaf you can make, that will instantly be a go to favorite. Follow the instructions for perfection!