If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from your childhood kitchen, this Classic Meatloaf Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect blend of tender ground beef infused with savory spices, tender onions, and a luscious, tangy glaze that caramelizes just right. Whether you’re making a Sunday family dinner or just want an easy weeknight fix, this recipe covers all the bases with mouthwatering flavors and a simple approach that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Meatloaf Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building texture to bringing that perfect balance of moisture and flavor that makes meatloaf so satisfying. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this timeless dish:
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (or beef/pork blend): Provides the rich, meaty base without too much fat.
- 1 cup diced onion: Adds sweetness and tender crunch that mellows nicely when baked.
- ¾ cup bread crumbs: Absorbs moisture and helps bind the meatloaf together.
- ⅓ cup milk (or broth/water): Keeps the meat tender and juicy.
- 2 eggs: Act as a natural binder, holding everything in place.
- 1 tsp tomato paste: Boosts the savory depth and color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Lends a warm, aromatic undertone.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Intensifies the onion flavor without extra bulk.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick and complexity.
- ¾ cup ketchup: Forms the classic tangy glaze that caramelizes on top.
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar: Gives brightness and balances the sweetness of the ketchup glaze.
How to Make Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This step is often overlooked but super important—it makes cleanup a breeze and helps the meatloaf cook evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onions, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make your meatloaf dense, so be gentle and patient.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Gently form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Keep the loaf compact but not overly tight; this allows steam to escape and keeps the texture tender. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes to start cooking the meat through.
Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the ketchup and white vinegar to create a tangy glaze. Once the initial 40 minutes are up, spread this glaze generously over the top of your meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes so the glaze thickens and forms that classic sticky topping.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
After removing the meatloaf from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice moist and tender rather than crumbly or dry.
How to Serve Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich meatloaf. A dollop of extra ketchup or a smear of creamy mashed potatoes right beside each slice can also elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Classic meatloaf is incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a range of side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans bring comfort to the plate, while a crisp garden salad or roasted root vegetables add balance and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Slice your meatloaf into individual mini-loaves for fun presentation or serve it over a bed of buttery egg noodles to soak up that flavorful glaze. Another delicious option is topping each slice with melted cheese or crisp bacon strips for some extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Classic Meatloaf Recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. It will maintain peak flavor and texture for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save this deliciousness for later, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat slices gently in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, but be cautious not to overcook and dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat in this Classic Meatloaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be substituted or combined with beef for a different flavor and texture, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
If you don’t have bread crumbs, crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice can do the trick as binders in the meatloaf mixture.
Is it necessary to let the meatloaf rest before slicing?
Yes, resting is key. It allows the juices to settle, which helps the meatloaf hold its shape and remain juicy when cut.
Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time?
You sure can! The mixture can be made the day before and stored in the fridge, which actually helps the flavors meld even better.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; a fully cooked meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a well-made Classic Meatloaf Recipe, and I can’t recommend trying it enough. It’s a dish that truly brings people together with its hearty flavors and cozy feel. Give it a go—you might just find a new favorite to add to your recipe rotation that brings smiles to everyone at the table.
Print
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, it’s an ideal family meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (or beef/pork blend)
- 1 cup diced onion
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup milk (or broth/water)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Glaze
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring the meat mixture holds together when shaped.
- Shape Meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet. This shape ensures even cooking throughout the meat.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf uncovered in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. This initial baking sets the structure and starts the cooking process.
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, mix ketchup and white vinegar together in a small bowl. This glaze will add a tangy, sweet finish on top.
- Apply Glaze & Continue Baking: After the initial 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the ketchup-vinegar glaze evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and the meatloaf to cook thoroughly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful slices.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or a beef and pork blend for juiciness and flavor.
- Bread crumbs can be substituted with oats for a gluten-free option, but the texture may vary.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- The glaze adds moisture and a tangy finish; do not skip it for the best flavor.
- Letting the meatloaf rest is crucial to keep it from drying out when sliced.
