Go Back
Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf Recipe

This Classic Meatloaf is juicy, tender, and baked with a sweet-tangy ketchup glaze. Made with ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, and savory seasonings — it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or Sunday comfort meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf

  • 1½ lb 680 g ground meat (80/20 ground beef recommended)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

For the Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if shaping free-form.

  • Soften the Breadcrumbs

    In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for 1–2 minutes. This step is critical — it keeps the homemade meatloaf moist and tender.

  • Add Aromatics

    Mix in chopped onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and spices. Stir gently until combined.

  • Add the Meat

    Add ground meat to the bowl. Using clean hands, gently mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix — this is one of the most common meatloaf mistakes.

  • Shape the Meatloaf

    Transfer the mixture into your pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking sheet. Leave space around it so fat can drain away.

  • Make the Glaze

    In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Spread half over the meatloaf.

  • Bake

    Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, then remove and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven and bake another 20–25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  • Rest Before Slicing

    Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and stay juicy.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Breadcrumbs: Oats, crackers, gluten-free crumbs
  • Milk: Almond milk, broth
  • Eggs: Flax eggs (vegan option)
  • Ketchup: Tomato sauce + honey
Keyword best meatloaf, classic meatloaf recipe, delicious meatloaf, homemade meatloaf, meatloaf dinner, meatloaf recipes, tasty meatloaf recipe