The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Classic Meatloaf is a hearty and comforting dish made from ground beef, seasoned with herbs, spices, and often bound with eggs and breadcrumbs. It’s a favorite for family dinners, offering a deliciously savory experience. This dish is often topped with a flavorful glaze or ketchup to enhance its taste.

Preparing Classic Meatloaf always brings warmth and nostalgia to the kitchen. The simple yet satisfying ingredients blend together perfectly, creating a meal that both kids and adults love. It’s a great option for meal prepping or serving as leftovers, keeping its flavor intact for days.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, with its rich, savory flavor that’s both hearty and satisfying. The combination of tender beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a deliciously moist texture, making each bite a treat.

What sets this meatloaf apart is its perfect balance of flavors. The mix of onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce creates a mouthwatering taste, while the tangy ketchup glaze on top adds a burst of sweetness and tang.

The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time, making it an ideal go-to dish.

Not only does this classic meatloaf taste amazing, but it’s also versatile. You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients like cheese or herbs to make it your own. It’s a meal everyone will love!

Ingredient Notes for a Classic Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: The heart of a classic meatloaf, ground beef gives it flavor and texture. Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the perfect balance of juicy meat and flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to bind the meatloaf, adding a light texture. They help absorb moisture, keeping the meatloaf moist and tender.
• Milk: Milk adds moisture to the meat mixture. It ensures the breadcrumbs absorb enough liquid, preventing the loaf from becoming dry.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together. It helps the meatloaf maintain its shape while cooking.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion provides a sweet, savory flavor that blends beautifully with the beef. It adds an essential layer of flavor to the meatloaf.
• Garlic Clove: Fresh garlic offers a fragrant, savory punch. It enhances the overall flavor and gives a subtle depth to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A key ingredient, Worcestershire sauce adds umami, giving the meatloaf a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the beef.
• Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors in the meatloaf. Be sure to season evenly to avoid bland spots.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of heat and spice to the dish. It helps balance the richness of the beef.
• Dried Oregano: This herb adds a mild, earthy flavor to the meatloaf. Oregano’s subtle warmth enhances the savory notes in the dish.
• Ketchup: Ketchup gives the meatloaf a sweet and tangy finish. It’s often used on top as a glaze to add color and flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar balances the tanginess of the ketchup with a bit of sweetness, making the glaze rich and flavorful.

Pre-Preparation of Classic Meatloaf

Before jumping into the recipe, it’s always good to get prepared! Here’s a quick pre-prep guide:

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare your ingredients.
• Prepare the loaf pan: Grease your loaf pan with a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you want, you can line it with parchment paper for extra easy cleanup.
• Chop vegetables: If your meatloaf recipe includes onions or garlic, chop them finely to ensure they cook through.

How to Make Classic Meatloaf

Ingredients

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make a hearty and delicious meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
2. Form the loaf: Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf shape. Don’t press it too hard—just enough to keep the mixture compact.
3. Top with ketchup: Spread the ketchup evenly on top of the meatloaf. For a sweet twist, you can sprinkle brown sugar over the ketchup before baking.
4. Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
5. Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking, then slice and serve.

Classic Meatloaf Variation

Classic meatloaf can be customized to suit your taste. Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add grated vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to boost the nutritional value. You can also mix in different herbs and spices like garlic powder or thyme to create a unique flavor profile. For an extra kick, add a bit of hot sauce to the mix.

How to Serve Classic Meatloaf

To serve classic meatloaf, slice it into thick pieces and plate with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or green beans. This hearty dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. The warm, savory flavors of meatloaf are perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

For a twist, serve the meatloaf with a side of mashed cauliflower or roasted potatoes. Add a drizzle of gravy or more ketchup on top for extra richness. This makes for a comforting, satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Storage Options

Leftover classic meatloaf can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm them in the oven. You can also freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months for easy future meals.

FAQs About Classic Meatloaf

How long should you bake meatloaf?
Bake classic meatloaf for 60 to 75 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked and juicy.

Can you freeze classic meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with classic meatloaf?
Classic meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. You can also enjoy it with some warm, buttered bread.

How do you know when meatloaf is fully cooked?
Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf using a meat thermometer, which should read 160°F (71°C). This ensures it’s cooked through and safe to eat.