There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of meatloaf baking in the oven, filling your home with the promise of a hearty, satisfying meal. This classic dish, beloved for its savory flavor and tender texture, is a timeless favorite that brings families together around the dinner table.

I first discovered this recipe while experimenting with ways to make meatloaf that wasn’t dry or bland. After tweaking traditional ingredients and techniques, I finally struck gold with this version – a juicy, flavorful masterpiece that’s now a staple in my home. Let me show you how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe

Get ready to discover your go-to recipe for the ultimate comfort food. This meatloaf is everything you’ve ever wanted from this classic dish – and more.

First, it’s incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to a perfect blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a few secret ingredients. No more dry, crumbly meatloaf here!

Second, the sweet and tangy glaze is an absolute game-changer. Made with ketchup, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard, it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding a delightful touch of sweetness to every bite.

You’ll also appreciate how easy and fuss-free this recipe is. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for Sunday dinners.

Finally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether served with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or your favorite sides, this meatloaf never fails to delight kids and adults alike.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this meatloaf truly exceptional.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this meatloaf recipe lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each bringing its own special touch to the dish. Here's a closer look at what you’ll need:

Ground beef: The foundation of this recipe is 80/20 ground beef, which strikes the perfect balance between flavor and moisture. Leaner beef can result in a drier loaf, so stick to this ratio for best results.
Breadcrumbs: These act as the binder, holding everything together. I recommend plain breadcrumbs or panko for a light texture. For a gluten-free version, swap these for almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.
Milk: This might surprise you, but a splash of milk keeps the meatloaf incredibly tender. It hydrates the breadcrumbs, preventing the loaf from drying out during baking.
Eggs: Essential for binding, the eggs work with the breadcrumbs to create a cohesive mixture that holds its shape beautifully.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce infuses the meatloaf with layers of savory flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!
Glaze ingredients: The glaze, a simple combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, adds that irresistible finishing touch. It’s sweet, tangy, and caramelizes to perfection in the oven.

You’ll also need a loaf pan for shaping the meatloaf and ensuring even cooking, though a free-form loaf on a baking sheet works just as well.

How To Make This Meatloaf

Creating this meatloaf recipe is as easy as mixing, shaping, and baking. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Preheat and prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined – overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan or baking sheet, shaping it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Press gently to smooth the top and sides.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spoon half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
Bake to perfection: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, then remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return it to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and slice: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

Storage Options

This meatloaf is perfect for meal prep, as it stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out.
Freeze: Wrap the cooked meatloaf (whole or in slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheat from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This meatloaf recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it:

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or slightly different flavor.
Add veggies: Mix in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.
Try different glazes: Experiment with barbecue sauce, spicy sriracha, or honey mustard instead of the traditional ketchup glaze.
Make it cheesy: Add a layer of shredded cheese to the middle of the loaf before baking for a gooey surprise in every slice.
Go gluten-free: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed cornflakes, almond flour, or oats.

The best part about this recipe? It’s nearly foolproof and incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.

There you have it – the ultimate meatloaf recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a hearty dish for entertaining, this classic never disappoints. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the comforting magic of homemade meatloaf.