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.
Ha! Awesome! Both my 22 and 25 year old got their wisdom teeth removed today and I was searching for something soft for them but not just yogurt, jello and pudding…this was it!! Thanks!!! I’m giving a copy of this recipe to the dentist upon 1 week check in. I also added noted suggestions frm all of the comments left. Some real chefs there ,,,,, and I am NOT! Thanks! I was raised on meatloaf , so I am so excited to have this!
Delicious! I didn’t have any parsley so I used basil instead. Still turned out great. Thanks for the recipe!
I don’t post comments – ever- but this recipe is amazing, I had all the ingredients and it was so easy to put together, My daughter hates meatloaf but she loved this one….. Thank you !
Any alternatives to not using the milk (or any dairy products) in this recipe?
Thank you in advance for your suggestions!
I used almond milk and it worked great
CAn I make this recipe with ground
Turkey?
Very good recipie! I too used a 1/8th cup fine chop green pepper, the flavor is so great. I form my meatloaf in o large football shape loaf lined with parchment paper. Bake 45 min. at 350 remove from oven, pour my glaze of BBQ and ketchup mixture, finish baking. Lots of flavor, and meatloaf sandwiches are the best with leftover meatloaf!
Wow a winner
Best ever meatloaf! I used BBQ sauce in the place of ketchup and would just use BBQ sauce on the top part. I have never before liked meatloaf, but this one rocks!
Made this for supper tonight and neither hubby or I could stop at one helping it was so good! Made it as posted, didn’t change a thing. Thank you!
What should I use if I don’t have Red Wine Vinegar?? Any suggestions because I’m making this right now and just realized I don’t have any?!?!?! Help please!
Just use BBQ sauce! Tastes great that way!
I subbed apple cider vinegar.
I ran out of catsup and went ahead and used Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce for over half needed for the topping. This meatloaf is absolutely delicious. Thank you, thank you.
This was an amazing base for a recipe for a homestyle meatloaf. I just added some Ranch Powder, and additional egg and used Panko Style Bread Crumbs. Also when in the oven I put in an additional pan filled with water under the meatloaf for added steam and moisture.
Thanks for the great recipe!!!!
I did a triple recipe. How long should I cook the 3+ pounder for? 🙂
Approximately 1 hour.
Very good. I use 3 equal parts of ground veal, pork, and sirloin– and add an additional egg and a 1/2 cup applesauce since we live at a high altitude (7,000 ft).
Best traditional meatloaf i’ve ever made- THANK YOU! Only change I made was adding an envelope of Lipton Onion Soup
This was so awesome that I saved it and have not changed my meatloaf recipe in 30 years! The topping makes it! You might be Leary about the red wine vinegar, however it made the topping! Will never go back!
meatloaf recipe : 100 %
Please recommend a healthy soup recipe
I’ve never been a big meatloaf person but oh my God is this recipe delicious! It’s been a huge hit every time I’ve made it.
Five Star Recipe. It was moist and absolutely delicious!
Would this recipe work without a loaf pan, free form?
I cook it without a pan. It always comes out delicious. Make sure you keep up with internal temp with thermometer.
That’s how we make it. I place foil on cookie sheet and hand form into loaf shape. Comes out perfect every time.
Really good!!