This Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food made from scratch with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, savory seasonings, and a sweet-tangy glaze. It’s ready in about 90 minutes, is incredibly easy to prepare, and is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering.

My love for this traditional meatloaf recipe comes from years of making it for my family. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with an incredible aroma and brings everyone to the table, reminding me of Sunday dinners from my childhood. I often serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or my simple Cottage Pie Recipe for a truly satisfying meal, and it’s always a winner for casual game day dinner ideas when you need to feed a hungry crowd.

What You Need for Perfect Meatloaf

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Classic Meatloaf

Learn how to make the perfect classic meatloaf with our easy recipe. This homemade meatloaf features ground beef, savory seasonings, and a sweet glaze.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 slices

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• large, rimmed baking sheet
• medium skillet
• very large mixing bowl
• small bowl
• oven
• knife
• cutting board
• measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• instant-read thermometer
• whisk

Ingredients

  

Meatloaf Mixture

• 2 pounds ground beef 85% lean
• 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
• In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
• In a very large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled onion and garlic mixture, plain breadcrumbs, whole milk, lightly beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Using clean hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
• Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rectangular loaf, approximately 9 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2 inches high. Ensure the shape is even so it cooks uniformly.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, packed light brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This is your meatloaf glaze.
• Pour half of the prepared glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
• After 45 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the remaining glaze evenly over the top of the loaf. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 15 to 25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf registers an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatloaf, as this can lead to a tough texture. Letting it rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute.

Keyword comfort food, ground beef, meatloaf

Delicious Ways to Customize Your Meatloaf

• Cheesy Twist: Fold in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan into the meat mixture for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap the plain breadcrumbs for an equal amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze or meat mixture.

My Pro Tips for Meatloaf Perfection

• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients just until incorporated to avoid a dense, tough texture.
• Check the Temperature: The most reliable way to know it’s done is with an instant-read thermometer reading 160°F.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking lets the juices redistribute for a mooser slice.
• Even Shaping: Form the loaf into a uniform rectangle so it cooks evenly from end to end, much like ensuring even layers in a sheet pan lasagna.

How to Store and Reheat Your Meatloaf

• Store: Cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled meatloaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, to restore the best texture.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can mix the meatloaf, shape it, cover, and refrigerate it up to a day ahead before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comfort Food Recipes to Try

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
• Beef Stew
• Chicken Parmesan
• Chicken Fried Steak

Why This Meatloaf Becomes a Family Favorite

With its tender, juicy interior and that iconic sweet and tangy glaze, this homemade meatloaf is pure comfort in every bite. It’s remarkably straightforward to prepare and fills your kitchen with the most welcoming aroma. I hope this easy recipe becomes a cherished part of your family’s dinner rotation, just as it has in mine.