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
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.
Can this be made in a crockpot instead of in a loaf pan in the oven ?
Absolutely the BEST AMAZING MOIST YUMMY meatloaf ever,, (better than Mom’s).. will be our go to recipe… Hub’s never stopped eating til plate was empty.. said best he ever had also. only change we will do is double or triple the topping and needs more salt, not sure I added enough).. Thank you for your great recipe
Does it make a big difference if I don’t use a pan and make it free form? Thanks Maria!
This was my first attempt at making meatloaf. It was fun to do and turned out delicious. I’ll be making it again soon.
This is my favorite recipe every one loves when I make it…. would not change a thing and I am not a fan of catchup this meatloaf is out of this world thank you so much for sharing !!!
I have made this recipe in paste and love it!
I would like to add 1/2 cup chopped sweet peppers. How do keep the moist consistency of the meat loaf?
Made meatloaf, love the recipe!
I actually doubled the recipe… Used a 9×9 cake pan. (So baked it longer) It was great!
I’ve made a few meatloaves and always bought lean beef. I still find trouble removing the access grease.. draining! Either my meatloaf comes out great or soggy 😴😂
I just bought the Rachel ray meatloaf pan from Amazon l, check out the reviews! No grease, drains to the bottom easy to lift with handles ! Game changer ! Have fun .
If you used 80/20 beef it will be greasier , try 90% lean and it will be much better from my experience good luck
Very tasty meatloaf!!!! Is NOT 10 servings, maybe 3 or 4 servings. Significant other had oral surgery 3 days ago. Needed a soft meal. Meatloaf did the trick, served with a fresh broccili, cauliflower mix with cheese sauce and mashed potatoes. Perfect remedy for what ailed him. Just what the doctor ordered, and he felt better, also.
This is the best meatloaf I ever made! It was perfect and delicious 😋
Great recipe like my mom used to make…
Followed the recipe, very easy! It was delicious!
Perfect meatloaf every time. I double the recipe and shape a loaf in a cake pan. I also add tapatio to the mix and a couple dashes for the topping. Thank you for this yummy recipe!
Did you need longer cooking for double, or the same 55 min. Thanks!
This recipe is awesome! The only thing I changed was the milk, since I just ran out, so I used sour cream!!!! Will definitely make it again!!!!!!
I have also done mine in my air fryer and smoker.
I also add some diced green or hot peppers
I made this last night when having friends over. The only thing I did differently was I doubled the recipe to feed everyone. It was a huge hit! My friend’s toddler who is anti meat currently had extra helpings! My four year old who never wants to eat dinner had extras too!
I need to double this as well… did you use 2 pans or all in one? What was cook time?
So delicious! I normally make a recipe my own by adding things but this is perfect the way it is! Enjoy!
My absolute favorite meatloaf. So glad I found your recipe. Lots of flavor throughout and the topping is a wonderful plus. My husband prefers a brown, mushroom meatloaf but this is my personal favorite so we rotate between each once each month.
Best meatloaf I ever made.Awesome taste,family loved it.Thank you so much
one word only Excellent
We both love this recipe
I added 3 finely chopped mushrooms that I need to use. Probably made very little difference.