Amazing homemade Meatloaf Recipe. Learn how to make a meatloaf that is tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds so much flavor.
This meatloaf is easy, make-ahead friendly, and versatile. Everyone needs a great meatloaf recipe that they can count on, and this one does not disappoint.
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Meatloaf Recipe
Ground beef mixed with onion, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, fresh parsley, and seasonings produces an irresistibly tender and juicy meatloaf. The sweet and tangy glaze adds amazing flavor to this classic meatloaf recipe.
Meatloaf pairs well with just about any side dish. We love it with it withCreamy Mashed Potatoesand a side ofBaked Asparagus, Green Beans Almondine, or Roasted Broccoli.If you’re looking for an all-American dinner, pair it with Coleslaw and Baked Potatoes.
Also, did you know meatloaf is perfect for meal prep? You can use leftover meatloaf for everything from tacos to pasta (see more ideas below).
Tips on How to Make the BEST Meatloaf
- DO NOT OVERMIX – This is the secret to keeping meatloaf moist! Overworking the meat mixture can result in a tough/dense meatloaf.
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper with edges hanging over the pan for easier removal of meatloaf.
- Keep the juices from the pan and pour over the sliced meatloaf before serving.
- Chop the onion finely, allowing it to cook through (or sautee onion before adding).
- Gently press the meat into the pan so it holds its shape.
- Test for Doneness with a meat thermometer (it should reach 160˚F).
- Rest meatloaf for 10-15 minutes before slicing for juices to redistribute and for easier slicing.
What is the Best Meat for Meatloaf?
For this traditional meatloaf recipe, use ground beef that is 85% or 90% lean meat. Do not worry about using lean meat – the rest of the ingredients will keep your meatloaf moist and juicy. Avoid super lean ground beef.
Variations
This meatloaf recipe is versatile and you can use a different ground meat if that is what you have on hand. Over the years our readers have reported great results using the following meat substitutions:
- Ground Turkey – For a Turkey Meatloaf, you can replace half or all of the ground beef with ground turkey and add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for more depth of flavor.
- Ground Pork – For a juicier meatloaf, combine equal parts ground pork with ground turkey or pork with beef. You can also do 1/3 pork and 2/3 turkey/beef—it’s pretty forgiving.
- Italian Sausage – you can combine equal parts Italian sausage with ground turkey for an Italian Meatloaf.
Meatloaf Sauce
This meatloaf sauce is incredible as a glaze for the meatloaf with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ketchup combined with brown sugar, garlic and onion powder,salt, pepper and vinegar creates an irresistiblesauce. Once baked, the glaze caramelizesand is SO GOOD!
Can I bake Meatloaf on a baking sheet?
For crispier edges, you can bake meatloaf on a baking sheet. Using a sheet of aluminum foil, create a self-made pan with raised edges to contain the drippings from the meatloaf as it’s baked. Shape the meatloaf and place it into the prepared foil. Continue with the baking instructions.
NOTE: Baking times may vary, depending on the shape and thickness of the meatloaf, so test for doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
How Long to Cook Meatloaf?
Cook the meatloaf uncovered for 40 minutes at 375°F. Add the sauce, and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature is 160°F. If using a smaller loaf pan than 9″x5″, increase the cooking time.
Since not all ovens are created equal and using different types of loaf pans can affect the bake time, check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer and remove it from the oven when it reaches 160˚F in the middle of your meatloaf.
Leftover Meatloaf?
Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze for longer storage (see below).
If you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers, here are some leftover meatloaf ideas (and I’d love to hear your ideas in a comment below):
- Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches
- Make Spaghetti Bolognese (just add meat to the sauce!)
- Beef Tacos– Break up the meat and put it in tacos
- Quick Beef Chili – just stir, simmer and enjoy!
- Meatloaf Shepherd’s Pie – crumble the meatloaf as the base
- Meatloaf Quesadillas – combined crumbled meatloaf and cheese
- Stuffed Peppers – crumble and stuff into peppers, top with cheese and bake
Can you Freeze Meatloaf?
Yes, meatloaf may be frozen before cooking. To freeze, prepare meatloaf per instructions. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze.
Defrost the raw meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight, keeping it covered. Then, follow the baking instructions in the recipe.
I think you’ll agree this is the best meatloaf ever and I hope it lands on your regular dinner rotation.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
I hope some of these easy dinner ideas become new favorites for you. They are simple, satisfying, and well-loved by everyone.
- Chicken Fajitas
- BLT Sandwich
- Oven-Baked Salmon
- Turkey Chili
- Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Chicken Fried Rice
Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze
4.99 from 8830 votes
Author: Valentina Ablaev
Amazing homemade Meatloaf Recipe. The meatloaf is so tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy sauce that glazes the meatloaf and adds so much flavor!
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 1 hour hr
Total Time: 1 hour hr
Ingredients
Servings: 8 servings
Meatloaf Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 90% lean*
- 1 med onion, finely chopped*
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs, or gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground paprika
Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
- 2 ½ Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Line a 9”x5” loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix well to combine.
Add meat to the loaf pan, gently press meat down and shape evenly and bake meatloaf uncovered at 375˚F for 40 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together for the sauce.Spread the sauce over meatloaf then return to oven and bake additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚F on an instant-read thermometer. Rest meatloaf 10-15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with baking juices from the pan.
Notes
- Variations – You can replace the meat with ground turkey, or use a combination of ground turkey and beef. You can also use a combination of ground pork (or even Italian sausage) and beef or turkey.
- Chop the onion finely – this ensures it will cook through. You could also sauté the onion before adding it to the mixture.
- Do Not Overmix – Mix until the meat mixture is just combined and gently press it into the pan so you don’t end up with a dense meatloaf.
- To Bake on a baking sheet – Shape a sheet of foil into a rough pan shape and set onto a baking sheet. Form the meatloaf, set into the foil to keep the drippings contained, and bake as instructed. The shape of your meatloaf can affect baking times so check with a thermometer for doneness.
- Rest meatloaf – Once the meatloaf comes out of the oven, let it rest to allow the juices to redistribute. This will make the meatloaf juicier and easier to slice.
Nutrition Per Serving
344kcal Calories18g Carbs24g Protein18g Fat7g Saturated Fat118mg Cholesterol910mg Sodium507mg Potassium11g Sugar410IU Vitamin A4.5mg Vitamin C65mg Calcium3.3mg Iron
- Full Nutrition Label
- Nutrition Disclosure
Nutrition Facts
Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze
Amount per Serving
Calories
344
% Daily Value*
Fat
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
7
g
44
%
Cholesterol
118
mg
39
%
Sodium
40
%
Potassium
507
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
18
g
6
%
Sugar
11
g
12
%
Protein
24
g
48
%
Vitamin A
410
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
4.5
mg
5
%
Calcium
65
mg
7
%
Iron
3.3
mg
18
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: meatloaf, meatloaf recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 344
Valentina Ablaev
I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!
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