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 love this meatloaf & so does my family.
This is very easy to make.
I made this with my daughter tonight and it was so simple and absolutely delicious. Will certainly be making this again!
This is one of the best meatloaf recipes I have ever made. We finished it in 2 days and are having it again next week.
This is seriously the best meatloaf recipe we have tried. My family loved it.
It was nice that the recipe was easy and only included ingredients I already had on hand.
This will be my go-to from now on!
I noticed when I clicked the “2x” option to double the recipe the steps below did not change with the ingredient list. For example, the steps said to add 2 Tablespoons ketchup into the meat mixture and 1/4 cup ketchup to the glaze. When doubling the recipe the ingredient list states 4 tablespoons in the meat mixture and 1/2cup for the glaze. I needed to know if the cook time would increase if I doubled it- but the steps remain the same no matter if you double or triple it. That’s frustrating. However, this has been my go to recipe as is- I just wanted to make it for a group.
This has been my go to recipe for a few years now! I love how it taste the same every time and never disappoints!
This one is really good- even with my personal modifications to suit my own picky palette!*
Currently got one sitting in the oven. Try using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs!
*It bugs me when people complain about recipes but mention they substitute items, or modify the recipe into oblivion…this comment and recipe is the total opposite! I am very picky, so I omit the onions, and I usually double the glaze…still turns out perfect every time.
Best meatloaf only way I make it since finding this recipe few years ago.. My Husband loves it too..
One of the best meatloaf recipies I have ever tried. I will be using this recipe from now on!
Yum!, a keeper! Came out great, added a couple of more spices but everything else as instructed.
So good!! Thank you for a classic that brings great comfort. Perfect family meal that is easy to make.
Wow. Haven’t made meatloaf in years
This was fantastic. Best tasting I have ever made Really moist and flavorful
Bonus the glaze dripped to the bottom of the loaf and made it crusty
I have used this base recipe many times. Me and my family love it! I currently have a batch in the oven right now. Only change I made today was using half beef and half sausage. I am betting it will turn out as good as usual.
Absolute best meatloaf recipe yet (Don’t lose this one)
My husband requested a classic meatloaf for his birthday and I made this recipe. I did sautee the onions a bit prior to adding them in to the mix but fantastic, absolutely delicious recipe!!!
The best meatloaf recipe ever! My family and friends always loved this recipe. Very moist and delicious.
Does the cooking time increase when doubling the recipe? I love this recipe and make it all the time, but haven’t doubled before.
Delicious following the recipe.
Of all the recipes I’ve tried this is the closest to what my mother made. I don’t make the topping; just use ketchup. Tends to be done in 45 min probably because I do it free form rather than in a 5×9 pan.
I added ground pork and sprinkled parmessan and Romano grated cheese on top before placing in oven along with a little heinz 57 sauce on top. DELICIOUS OUTCOME!!
I would give this 10 stars if I could! Simple and delicious!
Agreed with others. The best meatloaf recipe ever. I made it exactly as the recipe calls for. Yummy!
This is very good, it came out nice and moist. We liked the sauce too. I’m about to try the shepherd’s pie recipe too.
(PS – I like that you can jump straight to the recipe. Could you include the site name at the bottom of the printed recipe? It would help finding it for the next recipe to try. Thanks)
Absolutely amazing!! It was my first time making a meatloaf when I used this recipe and EVERYONE was super impressed! So thank you!! ♥️
This is the best meatloaf I have ever had. I had people try it and they all love it to. If you want a good meatloaf you need to try this one