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 have used my mother’s recipe for years and thought I was happy with it. Decided to try this one for a change, and oh my gosh! My husband is still talking about how good it is. I’ve never used milk in meatloaf before, and BIG TIP is to leave it in the pan for ten minutes before removing and cutting it. I never knew that and always wondered why my meatloaf always fell apart (so did my mother’s). Only minor change I made was I put mustard in the glaze instead of the vinegar, because I love mustard in a sauce like this. Truly an excellent meatloaf.
Wowers 😋
I’ve made many meatloaves and this one was by far the absolute best. I did however sauté the onions first. Thank you so much for the recipe this will definitely be in our weekly meal plan.For sure 5 stars. 👍🏻
I sauteed the onions first.
Fantastic! Easy to follow recipe and tastes great. I added a little olive oil and red pepper flakes.
1 TBSP of each.
I also used grass feed beef.
I will be making this again.
This was my first attempt at meatloaf. I cannot believe how great this turned out. It was so easy, I could kick myself for not stumbling across this recipe sooner. Thanks for making me look real good!! 🙂
This turned out perfectly and I am NOT a cook so good job!
what about a bit of red and green peppers?
Great recipe.
I used ground sirloin and I didn’t work it as much as recommended therefore it wasn’t as firm as shown however that’s my personal texture preference. The flavor is perfect classic Meatloaf. Used ceramic loaf pan; removal was easy.
The best meatloaf recipe I ever made,it was such a hit!😁
This meatloaf recipe sounds wonderful! I already have all the ingredients except the lean ground beef and red wine vinegar which I will pick up tomorrow. I like recipes that are simple because I have had to teach myself to cook and do okay if the recipe is not complicated. Thank you for the video – it was excellent.
BEST MEATLOAF PERIOD!!!
This recipe is amazing have made it twice and both time used balsamic vinegar instead of the red wine vinegar. It’s a keeper
This is the best meatloaf I have ever cooked. The kids are it up. Always have leftovers but not this time.
Thank you! My family loved it! I always failed at meatloaf but this recipe really helped me.
This meatloaf was easy and tasty, I added cooked onions, celery red bell peppers and garlic, did not have any parsley but next time I will have it on hand.
So crazy yummy! All 4 of my kids gobbled it up and my mother in law asked for the recipe since she loved it, too. It’s a new staple in my home!
This recipe is a winner! I don’t make meatloaf usually, but this one made it into my book for making again! And again…
Thanks for the recipe. This was a great meatloaf.
Made this recipe last night and it was a HUGE success! The only issue is that I have 5 kids, so 1 pound was nowhere near enough to fill them up as well as me and my wife. How long should it bake i made 3 pounds?
I made it with 3 pounds and baked it for 1hr 15 mins and it turned out perfectly!