The Moist and Juicy Meatloaf is a comfort food classic that has stood the test of time. Unlike dry, dense versions, this recipe yields a tender, flavorful meatloaf with a perfect balance of seasonings and a rich, slightly sweet glaze. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this meatloaf delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite.
The secret to its juiciness lies in the combination of milk-soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, and savory seasonings that keep the meat tender and flavorful. Baked to perfection and topped with a caramelized glaze, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it consistently produces a tender, moist meatloaf every time. The balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors makes it comforting and delicious. The glaze adds a beautiful caramelized finish, giving it a restaurant-quality appeal at home. It’s also simple to prepare, requiring just one bowl for mixing, making it easy for weeknight dinners.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This meatloaf is a must-try because it is classic comfort food done right. Its moist, juicy texture, combined with the rich, flavorful glaze, elevates a humble dish into a family-favorite meal. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings and Calories
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~400 per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or mix beef/pork for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp ketchup (optional, inside meatloaf for extra moisture)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
- In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
- Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep it tender.
Step 3: Shape Meatloaf
- Form mixture into a loaf shape and place in the prepared loaf pan.
Step 4: Prepare Glaze
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes.
- In the last 10 minutes, spread the remaining glaze on top.
- Bake until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Rest
- Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This retains juices and ensures tender slices.
How to Serve
- Serve slices of meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans.
- Optionally, drizzle additional glaze or pan juices over the meatloaf for extra flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Use soaked breadcrumbs to keep meatloaf moist.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.
- Add finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- A meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness.
- Let meatloaf rest before slicing for juicier meat.
Variations
- Turkey Meatloaf: Swap ground beef for ground turkey.
- Cheesy Meatloaf: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella inside the loaf.
- Spicy Meatloaf: Mix in chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
- Italian Meatloaf: Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and oregano.
- Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap strips of bacon around the loaf before baking.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment Needed
- Loaf pan or baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl for glaze
- Spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Conclusion
This Moist and Juicy Meatloaf is a classic, comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. With its savory meat, tender texture, and sweet glaze, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser. Simple, flavorful, and versatile, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals.
Moist and Juicy Meatloaf Recipe
Description
The Moist and Juicy Meatloaf is a comfort food classic that has stood the test of time. Unlike dry, dense versions, this recipe yields a tender, flavorful meatloaf with a perfect balance of seasonings and a rich, slightly sweet glaze.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
For the Glaze:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
-
Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture :In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2–3 minutes. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep it tender.
-
Step 3: Shape Meatloaf :Form mixture into a loaf shape and place in the prepared loaf pan.
-
Step 4: Prepare Glaze :Mix ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
-
Step 5: Bake :Bake for 50–60 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, spread the remaining glaze on top. Bake until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
-
Step 6: Rest :Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This retains juices and ensures tender slices.
