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.
Made this tonight and it came out amazing! And so easy! Thanks
SO GOOD! My new go to. Sometimes I use 1/2 beef 1/2 pork to change things up.
This is a great meatloaf recipe. I love meatloaf and have failed in the past. This is perfect!!!
This recipe is so quick and easy. Best meatloaf I’ve ever made.
Can I use turkey ground meat?
Yes!! I’ve made it turkey version 2 times and it is delicious!
I have prepared this receipt several times. Prepping per the receipt its fantastic. Of course got to play with the receipt too. First change we added barbecue sauce in place of the ketchup dose’s. My sons loved that. Second alteration was to replace the brown sugar with honey. My wife really liked that one. The third alteration did half ground beef and have ground Italian sausage. Everyone loved that one. Next variation, 1/2 and 1/2 beef and Italian sausage with honey glaze and half cup of bacon pieces. My boys flipped on that one. (Anything bacon they love). It was really good. Last variation to-date, 1/2 and 1/2 beef and Italian sausage with honey glaze and half cup of bacon pieces and 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese mixed through the loaf. My 10 year old has stated that is the certified dad meatloaf. Needless to say this is by far the best receipt and the funnest I have worked with. Hands down.
Wow Ron… Thanks for the one suggestion!! I just made the recipe as is and sat down to rest …and read the comments. I saw your bacon bits tip and jumped up to go sprinkle some overtop. I’m sure it will be delicious!!
Can you substitute white vinegar for red?
If you mean can you substitute white wine vinegar for red wine vinegar, yes. Regular white vinegar is too strong for most cooking uses. If you don’t have white wine vinegar use cider vinegar if you have it, or rice wine vinegar. Rice wine vinegar will be milder than red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar.
I don’t have red wine vinegar and don’t think it will matter.
I used apple cider vinegar and it came out fine.
20 years of professional production cook experience in hospital food service, I’ve made meatloaf hundreds of time. The only change I offer is to add ground thyme to your wonderful recipe about equal to your measure of garlic. It’s not only important to mix the meat mixture thoroughly, but beat the mixture flat repeatedly to pound the excess air from the finished mix before baking to prevent cracking of your loaf. Superb recipe here, my sincere compliments.
I made this last night. My husband and son loves it. The ingredients definitely was the best. The only things I have changed is the measurement of the bread crumb, milk, and egg, made it 1/2 half of what it says for firmer result. Have it in our refrigerator everyday save my busy life from cooking for my family💞 It’s superb delicious!!
How do I make sure not to wet and make it firm.
Yes think one cup is plenty
Sorry made double batch and bread crumbs should be cut in half
Best Meatloaf ever. I always had issues with making meatloaf…Seams simple enough, well i never liked mine.
This recipe is heaven sent
Great meatloaf…..even my fussy eaters love it
Great seasoning mix and very moist – I left out the milk and used about 1/2 cup of bread crumbs. It was delish!!!
I normally don’t leave comments on recipes I try, but this deserved it! This has to be the best Meatloaf I have ever eaten . I have a very picky 11 year old and she cleared her entire plate! That does not happen… My husband had to unbutton his pants he was so full, but still went back for more because he said it was so good. The topping is absolutely delicious. It’s a perfect blend of tart to sweet ratio. I followed tdd he directions to a tee and it came out perfect! It was so moist and flavorful. I doubled the recipe and froze half for later. This is going to definitely be a family favorite.
Made this last night and it was a HUGE hit. I’ve found my go-to meatloaf recipe.
Hi. Can you substitute oatmeal for the bread crumbs? Is it a 1:1 ratio? Thank you!
Made it last night was great. Thanks
Hubby now loves my meatloaf
Best meatloaf recipe I have ever made! I made this meatloaf for a crowd last Sunday evening and they all raved about it. Loving the topping since it’s so different. The red wine vinegar in the topping is the key to a different twist. Just enough tart, sweet taste. Will be making this recipe from now on.
hi,
quick question, if i subsitute beef with lamb meat will the cooking time change
I forgot to rate it!
I have made a lot of meatloafs and always pride myself that I can make a good meatloaf. This meatloaf was absolutely the best and makes wonderful meatloaf sandwiches. I doubled the recipe.
Did u cook it longer?