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.
Hi, I used pork mince and my wife nearly ate the whole loaf it was so good. Dogs went bezerk when it came out of the oven and had to sit on the counter, lol. wonderful recipe thank you so so so much!
In the past have always done meatloaf on a jap hazzard basis, was ok. However followed your recipe tonight and was amazed, best meatloaf I have ever made. Only thing I did different was I had some dehydrated mushrooms that I broke into pieces and rehydrated and drained and added to all that you called for. Your glaze was super. Might make a little more next time. Thank you, will be my go too meatloaf going forward.
I am allergic to beef so I am not able to taste the meatloaf . I followed the recipe to the letter and my family loved it.
Will make again! It was too moist for my liking. I will add less milk or skip altogether. Loved the glaze. I doubled it! Very delicious loaf! Also I didn’t have Worcestershire, I used soy sauce instead.
Glaze is way too sweet. Do not use 2 T of packed light brown sugar. Cooking time is too long. For me, it reached 160 degrees in about 45 minutes.
Wow so delicious. Best meatloaf I’ve ever made.
Delicious meatloaf now a family favorite!
This was absolutely the best meatloaf I have ever made!!!!! Not a big fan of meatloaf but this was the best ever. So much favor and so moist. My family couldn’t stop raving about it. This will be the only recipe I will need for meatloaf. Thank you!!!!
Best Recipe Ever!
Excellent recipe! My husband absolutely loves it and can’t get enough…
I made this for dinner using only the recipe . It was fabulous the best I have had in years. Yeah, it reminded me of mom.
Yummm!
Made this for my fellow…he said it was the BEST meatloaf he’s ever had…and he’s VERY picky!
Best meatloaf I have ever had!
I made the meatloaf and it was very good thank you
This recipe is wonderful! Perfect meat loaf.
This was the first time I ever made meatloaf and it was so easy to do. It tasted great, my whole family loved it!
This recipe is delicious!
Very good. third time I have made meatloaf, wasn’t very happy with the first two recipes, but this one hit the spot. Excellent. I added a whole medium size onion. VERY GOOD
I have made this twice during stay at home orders.
Perfect meatloaf recipe, my husband also gives it 5 stars.
Doubles perfectly.