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.
Can I use the bread crumbs that come in a round paper can?
Love how easy it is to bake and prep it was my 1st time making my own meatloaf and I have falling love with this recipe I don’t have a lot of time to cook n this was perfect
I just wanted to say that this is my go-to meatloaf recipe, and it has been for years now. Thank you for such a great recipe!
This is our go-to recipe meatloaf recipe. Our entire family loves it, including 4 fussy kids. Thanks!
My first meatloaf ever for me and my mom. Followed the directions and portions exactly. We both loved it and my mom was talking about it the next day still and tod me she wished made more of it.
This recipe is incredible! Super easy too! I didn’t have red wine vinegar but I used balsamic vinegar and it was amazing!!! Will make this all the time!!!
Very good
I’ve made this many times, and have shared the recipe with family and friends. All of us agree that this is truly a great classic meat loaf recipe!
Delicious. Wife loves it so we’re both happy.
I consider myself very fortunate that my mom has always been a great cook. So growing up there wasn’t much I didn’t like and I was exposed to all kinds of food. I don’t consider myself a picky eater either. That being said there are alot of different ways to make meatloaf and hands down this recipe was the absolute best I’ve ever had. I ate three servings that evening when normally I’d either pass on eating meatloaf all together or only have a small piece. This was so moist, flavourful and savory! Definitely comfort food! I have not stopped raving about this recipe! Thank you!
Love this meatloaf recipe. I did make a few changes. I use 57 sauce instead of the ketchup and Worcestershire, and I use oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs. It’s the first meatloaf recipe. I’ve wanted to use more than once. It’s also the only one I still keep.
Best meatloaf recipe I’ve ever tried, it’s been my go to for the last few years!!
This was a fast meal prep. I chose to prepare in a silicone muffin pan.
What’re the baking instructions if making meatloaf muffins?
Best meatloaf I’ve ever made. I keep coming back to this recipe!
Our favorite meatloaf recipe! Sometimes I add a little meatloaf seasoning but great without it.
This is the BEST meatloaf recipe I have ever made or eaten I misplaced it and made a different: not as good as this one is!
Just like my moms.
This is the best meatloaf recipe I’ve found!! The topping is excellent too!
Just amazing the flavors are very succulent. Even the after taste has a very pleasant taste.
I have made this with one with ground beef and one with ground turkey both turned out awesome
I mixed all dry togather and wet separately then add meat. I have also tried and use different types of breads like Italian bread and still this recipe doesn’t disappoint 😋
I served this with mash potatoes and peas n carrots for a side 😋 highly-rated
This has been one of my go-to recipes for years, a perfect meatloaf recipe. Unfortunately I recently found out I have celiac disease so I’m trying to find a swap for the breadcrumbs. Has anyone found a gluten free substitute that doesn’t turn into a goopy gummy sloppy mess?
Maybe try almond flour. I don’t know a lot about celiac disease but hopefully you can have that. Hope this helps.
I use gf crushed crackers as a sub.
I’m also gluten free. I’ve used GF panko or Aleia’s GF bread crumbs. The Italian seasoned ones are good too. Turns out great every time.
Great meatloaf recipe, especially like the glaze! I followed except I added the dry seasonings (parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper) to the breadcrumbs to make sure they were well blended before mixing into the meat.
I cook every week for a Pot Luck, mostly seniors, and this is one of the most requested by the group. Moist and very flavourful. Great recipe.
I love this meatloaf recipe and I always get rave reviews!
Question – if I want to double it for a large crowd, how would that change the cooking time? (Maybe I’m better off making two…..)
This was delicious! I made it as stated to the best of my ability. I only had panko breadcrumbs and I also had no milk. I subbed for equal parts water and soaked the panko breadcrumbs in the water before adding to the mixture, just to help incorporate the two items more easily. Not sure it that was necessary, but it turned out perfectly. Thanks for the great recipe! I will make it again and double it and freeze one.
My husband is 79 and he said this was the best meatloaf that he had ever had in his life! I agree!