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.
I’m not a fan of meatloaf, but wanted to find one that both my husband and I like. This is it! Question: I want to make it a day ahead and bake the next day. I plan on setting it out of the fridge as the oven preheats, then add the glaze and bake. Do you think it’ll need more than 55 minutes in the oven? Thanks!
Loved this recipe. I will make again and again. My husband likes cheese so I modified a little by putting a layer of meat in a loaf pan..then added 8 oz of cheddar cheese. Then added the top layer of meat on top of cheese. then added the glaze. Perfect. The only thing i might change next time is adding some garlic to the glaze. It was so yummy and whole family loved it. The meatloaf was moist and very flavorful. Even my picky daughter ate it all up.
Husband said best meatloaf ever. Made a couple changes–first sauteed onions in olive oil, crushed oregano, garlic added a dash or so of worchestire, and a dash or 2 of some tomato sauce I had leftover from another recipe. Let that cool completely before adding to ground beef. Also, the one thing I do with all meatloafs I make is that I buy a fresh link of Italian or Polish sausage from the meat counter [this time at WF] and squeeze the meat from the casing into the ground beef mixture. I find that this little bit of pork and its seasonings add so much. I eyeball and adjust the other seasonings accordingly. I used whole milk with breadcrumbs, which I think made it super moist. Finally, I layered uncured bacon over the top of the meatloaf when I put it in the oven and the bacon seems too, to add flavor. The glaze for this meatloaf is excellent, nice bite, tanginess and not too ketchup-y. Thank you.
This meatloaf was excellent and I can’t wait to make it again!,
Excellent meatloaf. I doubled the recipe and made some minor adjustments. It came out great even without the milk. Thank you.
Ive made many meat loaves in my day! This recipe was the best Ive ever made!!! Thanks
I rarely do reviews but i tried this recipe and it was Amazing! Especially the glaze sauce. I added some bell peppers to the loaf, just because i’m a big fan of peppers. This was very simple and tasty..I cant wait to try other recipes!
I doubled the recipe, added a can of diced tomatoes and topped with turkey bacon. I get rave reviews at home.
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Great for sandwiches! No falling apart.
This meatloaf is fantastic! We just finished our dinner and my kids, husband, and I all loved it. I followed the recipe completely. It was delicious and baked perfectly. So moist and sliced like a dream. This will be my go-to meatloaf from now on. Thanks for sharing this winner!
love it
Delicious! Moist and flavorful. Definitely a do-over
I’ve made this meatloaf for my family several times now. Its a big hit. Finally, I am able to make a meatloaf that keeps it loaf shape and doesn’t fall apart. It also makes a great meatloaf sandwich. This is my go to recipe when its time for meatloaf.
Made this for dinner tonight exactly as written. Both Husband and adult son were asking for seconds and commenting that it was really good meatloaf. This is my go-to meatloaf from now on!
I googled for a meatloaf recipe and tried this one. Was so easy and is the best meatloaf I have ever made or eaten! Highly recommend this recipe. Will be my go recipe for meatloaf from now on!
Made this today and it was scrumptious. Immediately printed it out after dinner. It’s going to be my go to recipe from now on. Thanks
Very very good
I only made one substitute
Substituted Barbeque sauce for Redwine vinegar
Yummy
Thanks for sharing your recipe
I like the recipe but I do not agree about the low-fat ground beef ….fat is tasty!
My go to recipe everytime…the family and friends always ask for it