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 use this exact recipe but sub out real burger for Beyond Beef low calorie plant based burger. It’s delicious! Hubby of almost forty years (a meat eater) says it’s the best! Oxoxo!
Tends to be dry. Maybe should use 85% ground beef. Tastes great.
My family loved this recipe. They’re set in their ways they asked that I just use ketchup on top next time. Since I loved the glaze on top I’ll be making 2 small ones next time, that way we’re all happy!
This was amazinggg moist and flavourful.. the perfect balance only thing I double the topping . This will be saved for future meatloaf making . Thanks for the easy and delicious recipe
I found this recipe awhile ago and it is my go to, I ask hubby what do want for dinner and he will say that meatloaf you make. So thank you for making me look good lol
What size of loaf pan did you use?
OMG WOW NEVER IN MY LIFE HAD MEATLOAF THIS GOOD. MADE THIS 10 TIMES AND CANNOT STOP.
NO ONE ON EARTH MAKES A MEATLOAF THIS GOOD HANDS DOWN AMAZING
1 thousand stsrs
This is my favorite meatloaf recipe! It’s moist, delicious, and full of flavor. I double the recipe and share with family. Everyone loves it! Thank you for sharing.
A 5-star rating!
I didn’t have Worcestershire so I substituted with soy sauce. Best meatloaf recipe I’ve tried, thank you for sharing!
This truly is the best meatloaf and one of the dishes my family keeps asking me to make.
This is it !!! My meatloaf (I’m claiming it). Mother never came close, but I do add diced green pepper to honor her. Simply the Best.
This is THE best recipe I’ve tried for meatloaf. Makes great meatballs too
The best meatloaf and my go-to recipe for years now!
Excellent, moist, yummy! Recipe works well in a loaf pan, in a muffin pan or on a cookie sheet. On a jumbo cookie sheet lined with foil, I was able to shape multiple meatloaves. They were then easy to slice and freeze to share or pull out for another meal. A winner in our home!
This was absolutely delish. My extremely picky son loved it.
perfect as always .Once in a while I change it up on the sauce no brown sugar just ketchup if am making the meatloaf more Italian flavored ( adds Italian spice mix in it )
Really tasty meat loaf perfect for main meal or in sandwiches .
Love it
I’ve had many a meatloaf recipe in my lifetime, but this recipe cancels out all others it is the crowning of meatloaves. My family simply loves this dish all come around the table to ooh and ah. I thank you for allowing this to be shown to the public cooks. I used to make just one loaf since never any leftovers decided to make 2 loaves because we also like this as a meatloaf sandwich.
Omg wow blew me away change name to meatloaf heaven . YOU THE BEST!!!!
Should be 50 stars 🌟 I made this 10 times darn thing never get left overs. No matter the size