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. 🙂
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The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe
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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.
Delicious- omitted brown sugar and vinegar and just used ketchup 😋
Unbelievable, haven’t had meatloaf since I was a kid, now my son wants it everyday!
On the recipe it says 1 pound of meat, yet it serves 10. Is that meant to be 2 lbs of meat?
I live in the UK and want to make a real American meat loaf and this looks really good.
Regards
I made this recipe and substituted one for one, Beyond Meat for the beef, Follow Your Heart Vegan Egg and soy milk. Other than that, I used all the same ingredients/measurements. It was outstanding and gave me a new comfort meal for those days I just want “to go home”. Your recipe has now earned it’s place on my fridge (with my plant based alternatives).
My wife is not a meatloaf fan, but she raved over this recipe, really great flavor.
I normally dislike meatloaf but this was so moist and flavorful. I used turkey instead of beef and it was as still perfect! Do not leave out the glaze, it is to die for!
I made it last night, and was very good! I think next time I will use probably 1 1/2 lbs ground beef since it seemed a little bready, but other than that it was delicious! Even my super picky 5 year old ate some!
sweet! Thank you! I would love more recipes from you. I’ve been trying different things with meatloaf. I used beef, deer and pig instead but it came out great 🙂
This is so good. The best meatloaf I ever made following this recipe! My husband will love this.
Do I have to use red wine vinegar? Can I use a substitute?
First time making a meatloaf with all the ingredients.
It was a big hit at the dinner table.😃
Thanks for this recipe!
This was the best meatloaf recipe I have ever tried! My fiance said it my most delicious yet. I subbed fresh thyme for parsley because it’s what I had on hand, and it was perfection. Thanks for the recipe!
Substituted the onion for green pepper. I used a 9x5x3 loaf pan instead of what is shown in the picture. I added 5 minutes in the oven, let it sit and it still fell apart… very tasty though! I love the tangy sauce on top!
If you want it to be less ‘juicy’ maybe cut back on the liquid or leave in the oven longer..?
As a meatloaf connoisseur, I know a great meatloaf when I taste one….and this is DEFINITELY one of the best! Lots of compliments when serving it.
Best recipe ever! My sister always has me come over her house and make this for her. We love it.
I’m not a particularly big fan of meatloaf. This recipe is DELICIOUS. I would give it 10 stars for its flavor, readily available ingredients, ease of preparation, and quick cook time. Made it for my parents and sister, all agreed that it was wonderful. My dad ate all the leftovers! Substituted spicy ketchup in the mix to give it some bite, but this recipe is perfect just as it is!
Tried this for the first time a few weeks ago.
My husband loved it. It really was good, tasty & easy to make for someone who, like me, does not enjoy cooking.
Made extra for a family friend.
He raved about it – which was very flattering.
Am making more tomorrow.
Hubby & friend can’t wait.
Frankly, neither can I.
Delicious! I added diced green peppers as well and the only thing I would adjust for next time is to cut the milk in half, or leave it out completely. It seemed a little more moist than I would prefer and this is probably due to the extra moisture from the green pepper. It probably doesn’t need the milk if adding extra onions and Peppers.
Very good recipe though!
The best meatloaf recipe ever. My toddlers even love it.
This is the best meatloaf! Way better than the one I grew up on and now the only one I will eat!
Hi,
Just made my first meatloaf and I doubled everything, could help with how long I should bake the meatloaf if it’s doubled2lbs)????
Thanks for your help, it’s sun 11/24 4:45 est in New York and I hope I hear back soon because I don’t wan to ruin it
Wish me luck and happy Thanksgiving to you and your family
Liz Daniele
The best classic meatloaf recipe