The Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy & Full of Flavor

Crafting the perfect meatloaf recipe becomes an art form that delights taste buds and warms hungry hearts.

My grandmother’s secret blend of ingredients transforms ordinary ground meat into something magical.

Rich, savory flavors dance across your palate with each carefully seasoned bite.

Tender meat holds together beautifully, promising a comforting meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this classic dish for its simplicity and incredible taste.

Meat lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will find pure satisfaction in every delectable slice.

Trust me, this meatloaf will become your new go-to dinner star that everyone requests again and again.

Why The Best Meatloaf Is a Family Classic

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Meal: This meatloaf recipe delivers a hearty, delicious dish that brings families together with its rich flavors and simple preparation.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Novice cooks can confidently tackle this recipe with straightforward mixing and baking steps, making it perfect for those just starting their culinary journey.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adapt the glaze or add personal touches like herbs or different meats to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring excitement with every preparation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Ideal for creating leftovers that taste even better the next day, this meatloaf serves as a versatile option for quick lunches or dinner solutions throughout the week.

Ingredients for The Best Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base that provides the primary substance of the meatloaf.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Onion: Work together to absorb moisture and help hold the meatloaf together with a soft texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the overall taste of the meatloaf.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, tangy depth to the meatloaf.

• Tomato Ketchup, Cider Vinegar, Brown Sugar: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes and adds a glossy finish to the meatloaf.

• Parsley: Offers a fresh herb garnish for visual appeal and subtle flavor.

How to Make The Best Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Space

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Glaze

• Tomato ketchup
• Cider vinegar
• Brown sugar

Set this sweet and tangy mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Magic

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated onion
• Ground meat
• Eggs
• Seasonings

Use your hands to blend everything thoroughly.

Shape the mixture into a smooth, compact loaf that will bake evenly without cracking.

Step 4: Prepare for Initial Baking

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan.

Generously brush half of the prepared glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: First Baking Session

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the pan and carefully drain any excess fat that has accumulated.

Step 6: Final Glazing and Baking

Brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf. Return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Settle

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the meatloaf from the pan. Slice into generous portions.

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables for a classic comfort meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Meatloaf

• Enhance your meatloaf's flavor by grating the onion directly onto breadcrumbs, which helps absorb moisture and distribute taste evenly throughout the mixture. Select ground beef with moderate fat content (around 15-20%) to ensure the meatloaf remains juicy and tender without becoming greasy. Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking, giving the proteins time to relax and reabsorb juices, resulting in easier slicing and more succulent meat. Customize the glaze by experimenting with different ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, sriracha, or maple syrup to create a personalized sweet-tangy coating that complements the rich meat. Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat gently to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out.

Variations to Try with The Best Meatloaf

• Veggie-Loaded Meatloaf: Replace half the ground meat with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils for added nutrition and vegetable content. Creates a lighter, more plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meatloaf: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Perfect for individuals with wheat sensitivities or celiac requirements.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Incorporate dried oregano, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese into the meat mixture. Replace tomato ketchup glaze with a sun-dried tomato and olive oil reduction for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Meatloaf: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol.

Pairing Ideas for The Best Meatloaf

• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to cut through the rich meatloaf's savory profile, enhancing its depth and providing a smooth tannic balance.
• Whip up garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy scalloped potatoes as the ultimate side dish, their creamy texture perfectly offsetting the meatloaf's hearty meat texture and complementing its sweet-tangy glaze.
• Roast green beans with almonds or prepare honey-glazed carrots to add brightness and crunch, introducing a light, fresh element that cleanses the palate between rich meatloaf bites and provides nutritional balance.

Storage Advice for The Best Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor. Refrigeration keeps the meatloaf fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen meatloaf stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place meatloaf slice on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.

FAQs

• Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, airier texture in meatloaf. They absorb moisture better and help keep the meatloaf tender and soft, preventing it from becoming dense or heavy.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, pork, or a mixture of meats. Just ensure the fat content is similar to maintain moisture and flavor in the meatloaf.

• How do I know if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure the meat is safely cooked through.

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Homestyle Meatloaf combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and classic seasonings for a comforting family dinner. Rich flavors and simple preparation make this dish a satisfying choice you’ll want to add to your weekly menu.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg or 2 lbs ground beef (non-lean)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large onion (brown or yellow, finely grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (or 2 tsps dried parsley or basil)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (or 2 tsps beef powder)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tbsps cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a loaf tin with non-stick spray.
2. Create a tangy glaze by whisking together tomato ketchup, cider vinegar, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with grated onion, allowing the onion’s moisture to absorb into the breadcrumbs. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together cohesively.
4. Shape the meat mixture into a smooth, compact loaf, carefully transferring it to the prepared loaf tin. Generously brush the top with half of the prepared glaze.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove and drain any excess fat that has accumulated during cooking.
6. Apply the remaining glaze over the meatloaf’s surface and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes of baking.
7. Once cooked, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the meat set and makes slicing easier.
8. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the tin and slice into generous portions. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Pat the meat mixture gently when forming the loaf to prevent dense, tough texture and ensure a tender, light meatloaf.
• Consider using a mixture of ground meats like beef, pork, and veal for enhanced flavor complexity and juiciness.
• Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Allow meatloaf to cool slightly before slicing to help it maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg