Meatloaf Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and can feed the whole family. Plus, it’s a great way to use ground beef while adding in some vegetables and herbs for flavor. Perfect for leftovers, meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.

How to Make Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 80% lean)
• 1 medium onion (1 cup), finely chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp ketchup
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Directions

1. Prep: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Sauté Onions: Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of olive oil and the chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine all of the meatloaf ingredients. Mix just until everything is well combined. Your hands are the best tool for mixing, so feel free to use disposable gloves if you prefer.

4. Shape 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 uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes.

5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together all of the sauce ingredients until combined.

6. Add the Glaze: Spread the sauce over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Meatloaf

Serve the meatloaf warm, sliced, with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite vegetables. You can add more ketchup or homemade sauce on top for extra flavor. Meatloaf sandwiches also make a great lunch the next day!

How to Store Meatloaf

To store leftover meatloaf, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice the meatloaf and freeze it in individual portions. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Meatloaf

• For added moisture, you can mix in grated carrots or zucchini.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to change up the flavor.

Variation

For a different twist, try a turkey meatloaf using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also swap the ketchup in the glaze for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes! You can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein as alternatives to ground beef.

Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

Q: How do I know when my meatloaf is cooked through?
A: The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for safe consumption.

Meatloaf

A classic comfort food dish that is easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for feeding the whole family, with the added bonus of utilizing ground beef along with vegetables and herbs for added flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 80% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp ketchup
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of olive oil and the chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Make the Meatloaf Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine all of the meatloaf ingredients. Mix just until everything is well combined. Your hands are the best tool for mixing, so feel free to use disposable gloves if you prefer.

Shape 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 uncovered at 350°F for 40 minutes.

Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix together all of the sauce ingredients until combined.

Add the Glaze

• Spread the sauce over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.
• Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

To store leftover meatloaf, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice the meatloaf and freeze it in individual portions. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For added moisture, you can mix in grated carrots or zucchini. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to change up the flavor.

Keyword Classic Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Ground Beef, Meatloaf