Here’s a no-fail, delicious meatloaf recipe that tastes like old-fashioned home cooking but stays moist and tender every time.
🍞 Classic Delicious Meatloaf
Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55–65 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
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2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 blend works best — not too lean)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
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1 small onion, finely diced (or ½ cup)
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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¾ cup milk
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
For the glaze:
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½ cup ketchup
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
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Optional: a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix the meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients.
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon — just until combined (overmixing makes it dense).
3. Shape
Form into a loaf shape (about 9×5 inches) and place on the prepared pan or in the loaf pan.
4. Add the glaze
In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
Spread half over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
5. Bake
Bake 45 minutes, then remove and spread the remaining glaze on top.
Return to oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest & serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted carrots for the ultimate comfort meal.
🍴 Tips for the Best Meatloaf
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For extra juiciness, use a mix of beef and pork (like 1½ lb beef + ½ lb ground pork).
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Add ½ cup of grated carrot or finely chopped mushrooms to sneak in veggies and moisture.
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Love cheese? Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan for a cheesy twist.
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Leftovers make amazing meatloaf sandwiches the next day!
Would you like me to share a BBQ-style version (smoky, tangy, and topped with BBQ sauce) or a stuffed meatloaf version (with cheese or vegetables inside)?
