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.
Made this tonight for dinner and everyone liked it ok. It was moist and the topping was just right. The meatloaf itself, however, didn’t taste much different from any other meatloaf I’ve had. All in all, a good basic recipe, but I’ll probably add a few of my own ideas according to my taste. Thanks for sharing it.
I made this for dinner last night. We made sandwiches which I served with bacon jam. I did not make the sauce. This meatloaf is juicy and delicious. My husband loved it.
A+ Kids love it. The topping/glaze is the best. The meatloaf ingredients and topping tastes, compliment one another to 100% perfection.
This is the BEST meatloaf ever!!!
Once I made meatloaf when I was a teenager. My dad said, “next time call your sister for her receipe”. Been looking ever since for a good simple receipe. FOUND IT! I even had all the ingredients. Instead of bread crumbs I did use an older deli bun and a grater. Also, I divided 3lbs meat. Making 2. One with green peppers and the second I make a pocket filling it with cheese. (Picky family). Got thumbs up all around.
First time making meatloaf really good but not like Mom’s really close !!!!
We love this basic meatloaf. I used 1.3 lb. of beef and about the same on my other two times I made it. The first time was wit fancy grass fed 80/20…big mistake. It was too greasy. 90/10 is the way to go, along with not overworking the mixing process. Comes out tender like a well made meatball. Will be making more soon!
This is my go to recipe for my meatloaf. It’s actually the recipe my Mom made all her life.. It’s so wonderful & juicy. There are so many meatloaf recipes on the internet but hands down this is the one Everyone should be making. I’m definitely a meatloaf Lover & so is my Hubby.
This recipe is perfect as is- it is our go to meatloaf recipe now! We’ve made it as a single loaf & have also doubled it to make 4 mini loaves in a silicone pan. It’s the most consistently delicious recipe!
i make it with 2lbs ground beef and double the other ingrediants. eat half now, freeze the rest and enjoy it again later
Best meatloaf ever! My daughter would not eat meatloaf before and now she asks for it weekly!
Best meatloaf ever!
I only have 80/20 meat. Making it tonight. Will this be a disaster?
Curious to know, how did it turn out with the 80/20???
best meatloaf ever, and believe me, I’ve tried plenty!
Love the topping! Meatloaf is very moist. I was skeptical as I didn’t think there were enough spices, but it is perfect just the way it is written.
THANKS!
I added a 1/2 cup of pureed Jalapeno peppers just to spice it up. Just putting it into the oven now.
This is my favorite recipe! I was thinking of using the topping halfway through the meatloaf and on top. What do you think?
Very, very good meatloaf and enjoyed by everyone. I’m glad I found this recipe.
Making this recipe was my first time ever making meatloaf. It turned really good. Highly recommend!
This is the second time I have made this recipe – I substitute broth for milk due to lactose intolerance. It is delicious, my family love it
My husband and I had this for dinner last week, and have been craving it everyday, since. Wow! I love cooking and trying new recipes. This one is the best meatloaf recipe I’ve ever had. My husband and I thank you.