Classic Beef Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

Classic Beef Meatloaf is one of those timeless comfort foods that has stood the test of generations. A staple in many family kitchens, it brings together simple ingredients—ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and seasonings—shaped into a loaf and baked to juicy perfection. Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, this dish is the epitome of home-style cooking: hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

What makes meatloaf so special is its versatility. It can be customized with different herbs, spices, or even veggies mixed in, yet it always remains the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and yields enough for leftovers, which are often even better the next day. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or as part of a Sunday family dinner, meatloaf always delivers warmth and nostalgia.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. The ground beef stays juicy and tender, while the ketchup glaze caramelizes in the oven, adding that irresistible sweet-savory finish. Every bite feels like comfort food at its finest.

I also love how reliable and customizable it is. You can stick to the traditional version or experiment with cheese, different seasonings, or even mix in ground pork or turkey for variety. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers—think meatloaf sandwiches the next day!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Comfort Food: Nostalgic, hearty, and satisfying.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps, no complicated techniques.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Great Leftovers: Even tastier the next day in sandwiches or reheated slices.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories per serving: ~380 kcal

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
   • Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined (don’t overmix, or the loaf can be tough).
3. Shape the Loaf
   • Transfer the mixture to a prepared loaf pan or shape it into a freeform loaf on the baking sheet.
4. Make the Glaze
   • In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
   • Place in the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes. Remove, spread the remaining glaze, and return to bake for another 10 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F / 71°C).
6. Rest & Serve
   • Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and easier to cut.

How to Serve

• Serve warm slices with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans.
• Pair with gravy or extra ketchup for dipping.
• Leftovers make delicious meatloaf sandwiches with toasted bread and cheese.

Recipe Tips

• Use 80/20 beef for the best flavor and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture; it will make the loaf dense.
• Letting the meatloaf rest is crucial—it locks in the juices.
• Add finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• For a crustier outside, bake freeform on a sheet pan instead of using a loaf pan.

Variations

• Cheesy Meatloaf: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella inside.
• Italian Meatloaf: Use Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and top with marinara instead of ketchup glaze.
• Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap the loaf in strips of bacon before baking.
• Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf: Swap beef for leaner ground meat for a lighter option.
• Spicy Meatloaf: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or chipotle seasoning for a kick.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (Uncooked): Shape the loaf, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before baking.
• Freezer (Cooked): Freeze slices or the whole loaf, wrapped well, for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Meat thermometer (to ensure doneness)

Conclusion

Classic Beef Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that never goes out of style. With its juicy, tender beef, sweet tangy glaze, and homey flavors, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies the soul as much as the stomach. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable, making it a must-have recipe in every kitchen.

Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones at the dinner table, this meatloaf will always be a winner.

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Classic Beef Meatloaf Recipe

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Meat

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 65 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: per serving: ~380 kcal

Description

Classic Beef Meatloaf is one of those timeless comfort foods that has stood the test of generations. A staple in many family kitchens, it brings together simple ingredients—ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and seasonings—shaped into a loaf and baked to juicy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs (900g)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined (don’t overmix, or the loaf can be tough).
3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a prepared loaf pan or shape it into a freeform loaf on the baking sheet.
4. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf: Place in the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes. Remove, spread the remaining glaze, and return to bake for another 10 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F / 71°C).
6. Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and easier to cut.

Keywords: Classic Beef Meatloaf