There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a Classic Meatloaf baking in the oven. This timeless dish brings back fond memories of family dinners, complete with hearty slices smothered in rich, tangy glaze.
I first fell in love with meatloaf as a child when my grandmother served it at Sunday gatherings. Her recipe was simple yet full of flavor, and over the years, I’ve added a few touches to make it my own. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Let’s dive into what makes this classic so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation. This Classic Meatloaf Recipe has everything you love about comfort food with none of the fuss.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful dinner ready to pop into the oven in no time. Perfect for those days when you want something satisfying but stress-free.
The balance of flavors is another reason this dish shines. The combination of tender, juicy ground beef and a savory mix of seasonings creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The tangy glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory loaf.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this meatloaf adapts beautifully. Slice it up for dinner, enjoy it cold in sandwiches, or crumble leftovers for a hearty hash.
And let’s not forget the nostalgic factor. There’s something special about revisiting the classics, and this meatloaf brings all the warmth and coziness of home-cooked meals.
Ready to see how simple and satisfying this recipe is? Let’s start with the ingredients that make it all come together.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Classic Meatloaf Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Every component serves a purpose, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of juiciness and structure. Too lean, and your meatloaf might turn out dry.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the loaf together while adding a subtle texture. Use plain breadcrumbs or season them lightly for extra flavor.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together, eggs ensure your meatloaf holds its shape while staying tender and moist.
Onion and Garlic: Finely diced onion and minced garlic add an aromatic base to the meatloaf, infusing every bite with savory depth.
Milk: A splash of milk keeps the loaf moist as it bakes, creating that soft, irresistible texture.
Ketchup and Brown Sugar (for the glaze): The signature glaze combines the tanginess of ketchup with the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a caramelized topping that’s simply addictive.
If you have a loaf pan, great! If not, shaping the loaf on a baking sheet works just as well. Grab these staples, and you’re ready to go.
How To Make This Classic Meatloaf

Making this Classic Meatloaf Recipe is as simple as mixing, shaping, and baking. Here’s how to create this timeless dish.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a loaf pan, lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, and your seasonings. Use your hands to gently mix everything until it’s just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf.
Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into your prepared pan or on the baking sheet. The loaf should be compact but not overly packed, as this can affect the texture.
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and brown sugar to create the glaze. Spread it generously over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring every corner is coated.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute evenly.
Serve with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad—and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
Storage Options
This meatloaf is just as good the next day, making it a meal prep hero. Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftovers.
For refrigerator storage, transfer the cooled meatloaf to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or a low-temperature oven for the best results.
If you’re planning to freeze it, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For reheating, warm the slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. This helps maintain the texture and glaze.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs.
- Ground Meat Variations: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You could even use a mix of pork and beef for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative, and adjust the seasonings to suit your preference.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Herbaceous Additions: Mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano to brighten up the loaf with herbal notes.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a gooey, savory surprise in every bite.
Experimenting with these ideas is part of the fun. No matter how you make it, this Classic Meatloaf Recipe is sure to bring a smile to your table!
PrintClassic Meatloaf Recipe
This classic meatloaf recipe is a family-favorite dish made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a flavorful glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the glaze: ⅓ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the glaze. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions before mixing them in.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 570mg
Leave a Reply