Classic Meatloaf is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, this savory loaf is baked until golden brown and topped with a tangy glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, or mustard. The result is a tender, flavorful meatloaf with a slightly sweet and savory crust that’s sure to satisfy.
I first made this meatloaf when I was craving a classic, homey meal that reminded me of family dinners. The combination of ground beef and seasonings created a rich, flavorful base, while the glaze added just the right amount of sweetness and tang. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility—you can swap in ground turkey for a leaner option, or add extra vegetables like onions or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple side salad, Classic Meatloaf is a comforting, timeless dish that never disappoints!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Weeknight meals
- Comfort food cravings
- Dinner parties
- Meatloaf lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Classic Meatloaf will become your go-to comfort food:
- Classic Comfort Food: The familiar, satisfying flavor will remind you of family meals.
- Perfectly Moist and Tender: The combination of ground beef and breadcrumbs ensures a moist meatloaf that’s never dry.
- Delicious Tomato Glaze: The tangy glaze on top adds a perfect finishing touch to the savory meatloaf.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a quick meal to prepare.
- Kid-Friendly: A dish that’s both familiar and appealing to children and adults alike.
- Versatile: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and simply bake it when ready to serve.
- Affordable: Ground beef and pantry staples come together to create an affordable meal for a crowd.
- Freezable: Make extra portions and freeze for later use.
- Classic Family Favorite: A timeless recipe that’s perfect for both casual and festive meals.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup milk
For the Tomato Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Provides the rich, meaty base for the meatloaf.
- Breadcrumbs: Help keep the meatloaf tender and hold everything together.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the meat mixture.
- Tomato Glaze: Gives the meatloaf its signature tangy-sweet finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Meatloaf:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and milk until well combined.
- Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and browned on top.
Make the Tomato Glaze:
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Glaze the Meatloaf: After the meatloaf has baked for 45 minutes, spread the tomato glaze evenly over the top.
- Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Serve:
- Slice and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Classic Meatloaf:
- With Mashed Potatoes: A comforting classic combo, perfect for soaking up the meatloaf juices.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans for a balanced meal.
- On a Sandwich: Use leftovers to make a hearty meatloaf sandwich with some cheese and a bit of mustard or mayo.
- With a Side Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the rich meatloaf.
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a simple but satisfying meal.
- For a Picnic: Slice into thick pieces and serve cold for a great picnic treat.
- With Gravy: For an extra indulgent twist, top with brown gravy.
- As a Leftover Meal: Meatloaf leftovers are great for meal prep, reheated in wraps or casseroles.
- With Mac and Cheese: For a true comfort meal, pair it with creamy mac and cheese.
- As a Party Snack: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks for a fun party appetizer.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Be gentle when mixing the meatloaf ingredients to avoid a dense loaf.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicier result.
- Use Lean Beef: Choose lean ground beef to avoid excessive fat drips during baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: For easy removal, line your loaf pan with parchment paper before baking.
- Add Vegetables: For added flavor and moisture, try adding grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf: Add a layer of shredded cheese in the center for a melty surprise.
- BBQ Meatloaf: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Meatloaf: Use lentils or crumbled tofu in place of meat for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Meatloaf: Add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the meat mixture for some heat.
- Mini Meatloafs: Make individual mini meatloafs in muffin tins for portion control and a quicker cooking time.
- Sweet Potato Meatloaf: Mix in mashed sweet potatoes for a twist on texture and flavor.
Special Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – Large enough to combine all the ingredients comfortably.
- Loaf Pan – A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan for shaping the meatloaf.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the meatloaf reaches the correct internal temperature.
- Frying Pan – Used to sauté vegetables like onions and garlic for added flavor.
- Baking Sheet – To catch drippings if baking the meatloaf outside of a pan.
- Parchment Paper – For lining the loaf pan or baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Grater – For finely grating vegetables like carrots, which can be added to the meatloaf mixture.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients like breadcrumbs, spices, and seasonings.
- Spatula – To mix ingredients thoroughly and shape the meatloaf.
- Aluminum Foil – Can be used to tent over the meatloaf while baking to keep it moist.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef, turkey, or chicken if you prefer. - How long does leftover meatloaf last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I freeze meatloaf?
Yes, meatloaf can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Can I skip the glaze?
While the glaze adds flavor, you can skip it and serve the meatloaf plain or with a different sauce. - How can I prevent my meatloaf from being too greasy?
Use lean ground beef and drain any excess fat after baking. - Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
Yes, grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can add moisture and flavor. - How can I make my meatloaf more flavorful?
Try adding extra seasoning or herbs like thyme, parsley, or paprika to the meat mixture. - Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free. - How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C). - Can I use a different sauce for the glaze?
Yes, try substituting ketchup with barbecue sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Classic Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor. Made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, this meatloaf is topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, creating a savory, slightly sweet crust that caramelizes during baking. Whether served with mashed potatoes, veggies, or simply on its own, this dish brings the warmth and nostalgia of home-cooked meals to any table.
This recipe is simple to make and can be customized by adding ingredients like sautéed onions, garlic, or herbs for extra depth of flavor. You can also swap out the ground beef for a mix of beef and pork or try leaner alternatives like turkey. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even leftovers the next day.
I can’t wait to see how your Classic Meatloaf turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!