I’ve spent years perfecting my family’s meatloaf recipe, and I’m confident this version will become your new go-to comfort meal. It’s everything a great meatloaf should be: tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavors that’ll make you forget every dry, disappointing version you’ve ever tasted. While the basic concept might seem simple, I’ve discovered several key techniques that transform this humble dish into something truly remarkable. Let me show you what makes this recipe different.
Recipe
Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food classic that’s guaranteed to become your family’s new favorite dinner. This meatloaf recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and heavenly, with a perfectly seasoned, tender interior and an irresistibly glazed top that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
After testing countless variations over the years, I can confidently say this version – with its blend of premium ground meats, aromatic vegetables, and my secret ingredient (a touch of Worcestershire sauce) – creates that nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
The magic lies in the combination of fresh herbs and the special glazing technique that guarantees every slice stays incredibly moist while developing those coveted crispy edges.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at meatloaf for the first time, this foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you master this method, you’ll never look at meatloaf the same way again.
Ingredients
This classic meatloaf recipe combines perfectly seasoned ground meat with aromatic vegetables and savory seasonings to create a tender, juicy comfort food masterpiece. The secret lies in using a mix of meats and adding moisture-rich ingredients that prevent the loaf from drying out during baking. For the absolute best results, opt for high-quality meat with a decent fat content – 80/20 ground beef is ideal.
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb ground pork (can substitute with more ground beef)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned preferred)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Pro tip: For extra moisture and flavor, add 1/2 cup grated carrots or 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. If breadcrumbs aren’t available, crushed crackers or quick oats make excellent substitutes.
How to Make the Best Mom’s Classic Comfort Meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This temperature guarantees even cooking throughout while maintaining moisture in the meat.
- In a large bowl, gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before adding to the meat mixture to prevent partially cooking the meat and eggs.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and the cooled onion mixture in a large bowl. Use your hands to combine but avoid overworking – stop as soon as ingredients are evenly distributed to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme, parsley). Remember that proper seasoning is vital – taste test by cooking a small patty in a pan if unsure about salt levels.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, gently pressing to remove air pockets without compacting too tightly. Shape into a domed loaf, leaving space around the edges for fat to render.
- Brush the top with the glaze mixture (ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce) before putting it in the oven. Reserve some glaze for basting halfway through cooking.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Baste with remaining glaze at the 30-minute mark for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, securing moist slices that hold their shape.
Chef Tips
Having mastered the basic recipe, I’ll share some professional secrets that elevate your meatloaf from good to extraordinary.
I recommend sharpening your knife skills by finely dicing the onions and garlic to guarantee even distribution.
For plating techniques, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, then slice cleanly with a serrated knife and garnish with fresh herbs.
Nutrition
Understanding your meatloaf’s nutritional content helps track your daily intake and manage portions effectively.
One serving (1 slice, approximately 170g) provides a hearty mix of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 35g
Iron: 3.5mg
Calcium: 45mg
Potassium: 450mg
Vitamin A: 180IU
Vitamin C: 4mg
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This classic comfort food recipe is a family favorite that never disappoints, delivering that perfect combination of savory flavors and tender texture that everyone craves.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or Sunday gathering, this meatloaf will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand, this recipe keeps shopping simple and stress-free.
Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance, making dinner time a breeze when you need it most.
Leftovers That Shine – The flavors get even better the next day, perfect for sandwiches or reheating for another delicious dinner.
Recipe Card
This classic comfort food recipe creates a tender, juicy meatloaf that’s topped with a sweet and tangy glaze.
The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings produces a perfectly moist texture while maintaining its shape.
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup minced onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze:
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl
- Shape into a loaf in a 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl
- Spread glaze over meatloaf
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing
Notes:
Internal temperature should reach 160°F
Don’t overmix to guarantee tenderness
Equipment:
9×5 inch loaf pan
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for glaze
Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 8 servings
