The Best Meatloaf Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a classic meatloaf. This recipe for The Best Meatloaf combines flavorful ground beef with a savory blend of seasonings, all topped with a tangy and sweet glaze. It’s a timeless dish that’s easy to prepare and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or preparing it for a family gathering, this meatloaf is sure to impress with its juicy texture, flavorful crust, and rich, homemade sauce.

The addition of sautéed onions and fresh parsley enhances the meatloaf’s flavor, while the Panko breadcrumbs provide a light texture, making every bite tender and moist. Topped with a sweet and savory glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar, this meatloaf is the perfect balance of flavors. The result is a dish that’s juicy, satisfying, and full of comforting taste—perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort Food

This meatloaf is the epitome of home-cooked comfort food, offering a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

2. Simple Ingredients

With everyday ingredients like ground beef, eggs, onions, and ketchup, this recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require special ingredients.

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3. Perfectly Glazed

The tangy and sweet glaze adds an irresistible finish to the meatloaf, making every bite flavorful and juicy.

4. Customizable

Feel free to substitute half the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork, depending on your preferences or dietary needs.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

This meatloaf can be prepared in advance, allowing you to bake it just before serving or even freeze it for later use.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• Ground beef (85% or 80% lean)
• Medium onion, finely chopped
• Olive oil
• Large eggs
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Ketchup
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• Milk
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Ground black pepper

For the Meatloaf Sauce:

• Ketchup
• White vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Variations

• Ground Meat Swap: You can easily swap out half the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture for a spicy twist.
• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Stuffed: For a cheesy version, stuff the meatloaf with shredded mozzarella or cheddar before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and chopped onions, sautéing them until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate and set them aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf and Bake

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Bake the meatloaf uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

After 40 minutes of baking, spread the sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 7: Rest the Meatloaf

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure a tender, moist meatloaf.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatloaf ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatloaf is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Double the Sauce: If you love the sauce, feel free to double the glaze ingredients for extra topping.
• Loaf Pan Option: If you prefer to bake in a loaf pan, line the pan with parchment paper, press the meat mixture in, and increase the oven temperature to 375°F.

How to Serve

This meatloaf is delicious on its own or served with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. It’s also great for sandwiches the next day—just add some cheese and your favorite condiments to create a satisfying meatloaf sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

To freeze meatloaf, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the entire loaf in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can replace half the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatloaf.

2. Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf and bake it in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

3. How can I prevent the meatloaf from being dry?

Using Panko breadcrumbs and milk helps keep the meatloaf moist. Be sure not to overbake it, and let it rest before serving.

4. Can I use a loaf pan instead of baking it on a sheet?

Yes, you can use a loaf pan to bake the meatloaf. Just increase the oven temperature to 375°F and follow the same baking times.

5. How long should I bake the meatloaf?

Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, then add the glaze and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

6. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?

Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

7. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

8. What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs will work just fine as a substitute for Panko.

9. Can I freeze the meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before wrapping and freezing.

10. Can I use a different type of cheese in the meatloaf?

Yes, you can add shredded cheese to the meatloaf mixture if desired. Mozzarella or cheddar would both work well.

Conclusion

This The Best Meatloaf Recipe combines savory ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and a perfectly balanced glaze, creating a comforting, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this meatloaf is versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect addition to any meal rotation, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day!

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