Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that hits all the right nostalgic notes, look no further than the Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe. This timeless dish brings together hearty ground beef, a perfect blend of spices, and a tangy-sweet glaze that forms a luscious crust, creating a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf guarantees satisfaction with every slice, embracing tradition while delivering an irresistible flavor that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a meatloaf that’s juicy, flavorful, and downright delicious. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of taste and texture that make this the Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe you’ll ever try.
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef: The hearty backbone providing rich, meaty flavor without too much fat.
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together and add a subtle herby note.
- 2 eggs: Essential for holding the meat mixture firmly, keeping it tender yet structured.
- ½ cup onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and a little crunch for texture.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory depth with just the right punch.
- 2 tsp chopped parsley: Freshness and color—parsley brightens the overall profile beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the ingredients perfectly.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Forms a tangy, smoky glaze that caramelizes on top for ultimate flavor and visual appeal.
- ⅓ cup ketchup: Gives sweetness and acidity, essential for that classic meatloaf topping.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the acidity with warmth and a subtle molasses hint.
- 1 tsp yellow mustard: Delivers a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with foil and give it a good spray of non-stick cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your meatloaf won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze—because no one wants to wrestle with stubborn baked-on bits afterward.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, add your lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to mix everything together gently but thoroughly. Mixing by hand helps you evenly incorporate all the flavors without overworking the meat, which keeps the texture nice and tender.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Once your mixture is uniform, press it into a neat 8-by-4-inch loaf shape on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. This lower temperature start allows the meatloaf to cook through without drying out, setting the stage for a perfect finish.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Glaze
While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. When the initial bake time concludes, carefully take the meatloaf out and crank the oven to 400 degrees. Spread your sweet-savory glaze generously over the top, then return it to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The glaze will bubble and caramelize, creating that irresistible sticky crust that everyone loves.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Patience is key—let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes after coming out of the oven. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy, tender, and holds together beautifully. Then, slice it up and get ready to enjoy a bite of classic comfort!
How to Serve Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves brightens up the rich meatloaf visually and adds an herbaceous pop. If you want to keep it classic, just a simple dollop of mustard or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on top pairs perfectly with each slice.
Side Dishes
Meatloaf loves good company! Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic wingman, soaking up every bit of that luscious glaze. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli bring color and freshness, balancing the rich, meaty main. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try buttery corn on the cob or even a warm macaroni and cheese for true comfort-food bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try mini meatloaves baked in muffin tins for individual portions that look charming and cook more quickly. Or slice and serve open-faced sandwiches piled high on crusty bread with sharp cheddar and a smear of ketchup or BBQ sauce. These presentations bring a fresh, informal vibe to a traditional favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a great candidate for quick lunch or dinner remixes during the busy week.
Freezing
To enjoy this meatloaf later, freeze it either whole or in slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer bag. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months, making it a wonderful make-ahead meal for busy days when you crave comfort without the fuss.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave slices on medium power, but watch carefully to avoid drying out this juicy favorite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and provides great flavor, mixing in ground pork or turkey can add variety and adjust the fat content. Just remember different meats might affect cooking times and texture slightly.
What can I substitute for Italian breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs on hand, plain breadcrumbs mixed with a little Italian seasoning or dried herbs work just fine. You can also use crushed crackers or even oats for a gluten-free twist.
Is it necessary to rest the meatloaf before slicing?
Yes, resting allows the meat’s juices to redistribute, preventing the meatloaf from falling apart or becoming dry when sliced. It really makes a difference in both texture and flavor.
Can I make the meatloaf gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free oats or panko. Just keep in mind this might slightly change the texture but keep all the classic flavors intact.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce for the glaze?
No worries! You can use extra ketchup mixed with a little honey or brown sugar and a splash of vinegar to mimic that tangy-sweet glaze, or try a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so soulful about digging into a slice of the Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe — it’s like a little celebration of home cooking on your plate. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe invites you to create a meal that’s warm, satisfying, and endlessly comforting. So grab your apron and get ready to make memories around the dinner table with a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
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Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A classic, comforting meatloaf recipe made with lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, and a savory sweet BBQ ketchup glaze. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, parsley, onion, and a hint of brown sugar that caramelizes to create a deliciously moist and flavorful dish for any family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Topping
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onion, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to mix everything thoroughly for even seasoning and texture.
- Shape Loaf: Press the meat mixture firmly into an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Bake Initial: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 45 minutes to allow it to set and begin cooking through.
- Prepare Topping and Finish Baking: While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the sweet glaze. After the initial baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C), spread the glaze evenly over the top, and return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. This caramelizes the topping and cooks the meatloaf until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes outside the oven to allow juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use lean ground beef with about 85-90% lean content to keep the meatloaf moist but not greasy.
- Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Leftover meatloaf slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- To reheat, warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of meatloaf)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: classic meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, homemade meatloaf, meatloaf with BBQ glaze, comfort food
