Classic Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is a timeless comfort food that many people love. It’s a hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner, and it’s easy to customize with different ingredients and seasonings. Here’s a classic meatloaf recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home!

INGREDIENTS:

For the Meatloaf:

1 kg (2 lbs) ground beef (or a beef and pork mix for added flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use panko for a lighter texture or plain for a more traditional result)
1/4 cup milk (any kind, but whole milk makes it richer)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, adds flavor)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for freshness)

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a lighter glaze)
1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon, depending on your preference)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar (for a little tang)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the meatloaf mixture.
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion and garlic.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture), chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (optional), and Parmesan cheese (if using).
Mix the Ingredients:
- Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together until well-combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
Shape the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan, or if you prefer, shape it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press it down gently so it holds its shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

Mix the Glaze Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and everything is mixed smoothly.
Glaze the Meatloaf:
- Spread a generous amount of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve a little glaze for serving, if desired.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf

Bake the Meatloaf:
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done meatloaf.
Add Extra Glaze:
- About 10 minutes before the meatloaf is done, you can brush on some additional glaze for a glossy finish.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the Meatloaf Rest:
- Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.
Slice and Serve:
- Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve it with the extra glaze on the side, mashed potatoes, and your favorite vegetable sides like roasted carrots, peas, or green beans.

Tips for Perfect Meatloaf:

Use Lean Meat: Ground beef with 80% lean to 20% fat is ideal for meatloaf, giving it a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that these may not be as juicy as beef.
Breadcrumbs: You can use fresh breadcrumbs if you prefer. Just pulse some stale bread in a food processor until it turns into crumbs.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can make it tough. Combine just until everything is incorporated.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add finely grated or diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meatloaf mixture for extra flavor and moisture.
Use a Thermometer: To ensure the meatloaf is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This helps avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Variations:

Cheesy Meatloaf: Add a generous amount of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack) into the meat mixture or stuff it in the center of the loaf for a cheesy surprise inside.

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: For a smoky twist, wrap your meatloaf in strips of bacon before baking. The bacon adds flavor and helps keep the meatloaf juicy.

Spicy Meatloaf: Add finely chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce into the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

Gluten-Free Meatloaf: If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs.

Vegetarian Meatloaf: Replace the meat with a combination of lentils, quinoa, or chickpeas, and use plant-based cheese if desired. For the binding agent, you can use flax eggs or regular eggs.

Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Meatloaf:

Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes with butter and cream make a rich and comforting side dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper complement meatloaf beautifully.
Mac and Cheese: For a truly indulgent meal, serve meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese.
Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is a perfect addition to any meatloaf dinner.
Corn on the Cob: A simple side that balances the richness of the meatloaf.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g (due to the glaze)

Why This Meatloaf is a Winner:

Comfort Food: Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners. It’s filling and satisfying, making it perfect for feeding a hungry family or guests.
Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a special meal but doesn’t take hours to prepare.
Budget-Friendly: Ground meat is an affordable protein option, and you can stretch the recipe by serving it with hearty sides like mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Final Thoughts:

This homemade meatloaf recipe is simple, tasty, and sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, a family gathering, or meal prep for the week ahead, this dish is versatile and easy to prepare. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out more of my easy-to-make recipes that are perfect for beginners! Keep coming back for more tasty and satisfying meals.