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.
Great flavor! Love the simple glaze. I used the 85% organic grass-fed burger and it was fantastic! Thanks for the great recipe!
Omg!!! The best meatloaf I’ve ever made. This has been a bright spot during quarantine. Thank you!!! ❤️❤️
First time ever cooking meatloaf – and it turned out perfect! Followed the instructions, didn’t end up missing anything for me in terms of taste (unlike a lot of other online recipes) so a big win. Will be adding this to the rotation
Actually one of the best recipes for meatloaf ever ,,,,, although I did adlib a bit by adding red peppers and don’t use a loaf pan just a sheet tray
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I tried your recipe tonight and it was delicious!!! It was very moist. This is the first time I cooked meatloaf that my son and husband has been asking me to make. I finally made one for them and they loved it!
Best regards,
Catherine
I’m trying this recipe for my family tonight. If all works out well, next time I think I will try wrapping it in bacon.
A huge house favorite! Boyfriends favorite meal! I double jt just because the loaf is a bit too small without it.
This was THE BEST meatloaf I’ve ever had. I literally never write reviews on anything, but I am so passionate about this meatloaf that I have to write one. It was incredible. I sent it to basically everyone I know. You MUST try it.
For some reason meatloaf has always been a challenge. This recipe held together and the taste was really good. A few adjustments ..I would use a little less of the bread crumbs and a little more salt. My ground beef was 80/20 which I believe made it a little gummy. Next time will be the winner!
Absolutely the best recipe, my family love it. Thank you so much. It was very tasty and moist, I will be making this on a regular. 1🙂😊
Can I use almond flour instead of bread crumbs? If yes what would be the substitution measurement for that? Thanks
I made this tonight and my husband said it’s the best meat loaf he’s ever eaten and he’s eaten a lot of meatloaf!!! Thank you for this recipe. I am a retired Chef and wouldn’t add or take away anything from this recipe … it is perfect as is!!!
This is the best meatloaf ever. Sometimes I just put ketchup on as a topping, the meatloaf itself is very flavorful, and it’s the perfect texture. Don’t skip letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, cover with foil to keep warm. It will be easier to slice as well as taste better.
Loved the meat loaf. I had all the ingredients in my house.
Great recipe. If I decided to make smaller loaves and freeze, how would you recommend adjusting the cook time?
Oh my gosh! DELICIOUS!!! My husband loved it, too. This is now my meat loaf recipe! I knew I could trust you. My daughter-in-law is an RD with a masters in nutrition, too. Good cooks!
This was the best meatloaf I’ve ever made! Thank you so much I will definitely make again. It truly was moist and delicious!
We love meatloaf and this recipe beat them all! It was moist and flavorful – what more can we ask for? Nothing! We did add diced green pepper (1/2) because my husband likes it. Love the topping! Am glad it is added while it bakes and love the addition of ketchup in the recipe. It will be my go-to recipe in the future!
I made this recipe last night! It was definitely moist and delicious. I want to try it again with fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Overall a great recipe, would recommend to a friend!
The best meatloaf ever. Next time I will doubled the recepie and freeze half.