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The Best Meatloaf Recipe

by Holly January 3, 2023

4.97 from 2692 votes 1,260 COMMENTS

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This really is the best meatloaf recipe, it’s easy to make and tastes
delicious.

It’s made with lean ground beef, a handful of

seasonings, onions, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Then, it’s baked in the oven with a tasty zesty
topping.

Below are my favorite tips for a homemade meatloaf that will have
everyone asking for seconds.

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This easy meatloaf recipe is a family favorite and all 4 of my kids told me
it’s one of their top childhood favorites! Serve with a side of mashed
potatoes or mac and cheese for the perfect comforting meal.
reader favorites
Ingredients for a Classic Meatloaf
Ground beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect
balance of flavor and juiciness.

Breadcrumbs: These help the meatloaf hold together and give it the
 right texture. Italian or seasoned breadcrumbs have extra flavor, but
Panko bread crumbs will work too.
Homemade Sausage and
Eggs: These help bind the meatloaf so it doesn’t fall apart when you cut Cheez-Its Peppers

it. Appetizer Recipes Main Dishes

Onions: Chopped onions add extra flavor to the meatloaf, pre-cooking

them makes sure the flavor isn’t too strong.

Seasonings: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor while Italian

seasoning are savory and aromatic. Of course, salt and pepper are
essential for any recipe, and they help bring out the flavors of the other
ingredients.

Meatloaf Sauce Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot Beef

Recipe (with and Noodles
My favorite meatloaf topping is a flavorful zesty topping that caramelizes Ham)
Soups & Stews Slow Cooker
and gets a bit sticky to glaze the meatloaf as it bakes.

In this sauce for meatloaf, I use a combination of chili sauce and ketchup
(just like my mom always made) and a pinch of brown sugar.

Ingredient Info for the Topping

Charcuterie Stuffed Peppers
Chili sauce is not spicy, it tastes like a very zesty ketchup with more Quesadilla
Weeknight Quick Fix Main Dishes
tang and less sweetness. (Find chili sauce near the ketchup at the
store). You can also make homemade chili sauce.
see more reader favorites
Mixed with ketchup, it creates a beautiful topping. (It’s also great mixed
50/50 with BBQ sauce for burgers and ribs). as seen on

If you don’t have chili sauce, use extra ketchup or even a bit of BBQ
sauce if you’d like.

Classics done right!

Crock Pot Chicken
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and Dumplings
Chicken

Crock Pot Mac

and Cheese
Slow Cooker

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Cake
Desserts

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Bread Recipe
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4 Ingredient
Chicken Rice
Casserole
Casseroles

The Best Meatloaf

Recipe
Ground Beef
Variations & Additions
As this is a classic meatloaf recipe, I keep it simple but you can add in your
favorite additions.

Meat: You can add ½ pound lean ground pork in place of some of the
beef or try 1 pound ground beef mixed with 1 pound ground turkey
(cook to 165°F if adding turkey).

Seasonings: Add seasonings like garlic powder (1 tsp), Worcestershire

 sauce (1 tbs), or some chopped and cooked green bell pepper

Brown Sugar Meatloaf Glaze: Use equal parts brown sugar and
ketchup with 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar to make a meatloaf glaze in
place of the topping below.

Brown Gravy: Skip the meatloaf topping altogether and serve it with
brown gravy instead (homemade, leftover, or packaged).

How To Make Meatloaf

1. Soften the onion in a pan (per recipe below).

2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

3. Form into a loaf on a baking sheet and bake (cook times below based on
the size of the loaf).

4. Top with the meatloaf sauce and bake until bubbly.

Tips for the Best Meatloaf
Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients in a large bowl just until combined
– overmixing will result in a dense meatloaf.

Use Lean Meat: Use lean beef (but not extra lean). 80/20 is ideal for the
best flavor and consistency without too much fat.

Add flavors and moisture: Keep your meatloaf moist and flavorful by
adding seasonings and soaking the breadcrumbs in milk.

Skip the Loaf Pan: Use a baking sheet to cook this meatloaf recipe. A
loaf pan will cause the meatloaf to steam in the drippings instead of
getting a nice crisp exterior.

Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest once it comes out of the oven
to redistribute the juices and make it easier to slice without falling apart.
How Long To Cook Meatloaf
The 2 lb meatloaf recipe below cooks at 350°F for about 55-65 minutes or
at 375°F for 45-55 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches
an internal temperature of 160°F.
 Kitchen Tip Always let meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before you slice
it. This helps it retain its juices and ensures it doesn’t fall apart when
you slice it.

Meatloaf cooking times +

How to freeze meatlaof +

How to make meatloaf ahead of time +

How to store leftover meatloaf (cooked) +

What to Serve With Meatloaf

I usually serve a cozy-carby side and a fresh vegetable with meatloaf. Here are a few of our
favorites.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Pasta

Quick Broccoli and Cheese

 Side Dishes

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Side Dishes
 Roasted Green Beans
Side Dishes

Did your family love this meatloaf recipe? Be sure to leave a comment
and review below!
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4.97 from 2692 votes ↑ Click stars to rate now!

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The Best Meatloaf Recipe

This is the best meatloaf recipe ever. It is so easy to make and comes
out perfectly juicy every time!

Save

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment
Baking Sheet

Frying Pan

Mixing Bowls
Ingredients 1x 2x 3x

½ medium onion diced

1 teaspoon butter

2 eggs

¾ cup milk

¾ cup Italian bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley

1 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste

½ teaspoon black pepper

Meatloaf Sauce
½ cup chili sauce see note

½ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar optional

Instructions
1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with
aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.

2 In a small pan, cook onions in butter over medium low heat until
tender. Let them cool completely.

3 In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the

mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.

4 Add the ground beef, cooked onions, 1 Tablespoon ketchup or chili

sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, and salt & pepper to the bowl. Mix
 until just combined.

5 Form a 8"x4" loaf on the prepared baking pan and bake for 40
minutes.

6 While the meatloaf is cooking, combine the chili sauce and ketchup
(and brown sugar if using) to make Meatloaf Sauce. Spread mixture
over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until
cooked through and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature
of 160°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.

7 Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Video

Notes
Chili Sauce: Chili sauce is not spicy, it tastes like a very zesty ketchup
with more tang and less sweetness. (Find chili sauce near the ketchup
at the store). If you don’t have chili sauce, use extra ketchup or even a
bit of BBQ sauce if you’d like.

Optional Additions: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire

sauce can be added to the beef mixture. Onions can be added without
cooking but may not soften as well and will have a stronger flavor.

Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a

dense meatloaf.
Use Lean Meat: Use 80/20 for great flavor without making it greasy.

Add flavors and moisture: Don’t skip the seasonings and soak the
breadcrumbs in milk to keep the meatloaf flavorful and moist.

Skip the Loaf Pan: Use a baking pan instead of a loaf pan. This gives
the meatloaf a nice crust. A loaf pan causes the meat to steam, and
there’s nowhere for the drippings to go.

Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest once it comes out of the oven
to help redistribute the juices and make sure it won’t fall apart when
sliced.

4.97 from 2692 votes

Nutrition Information
Calories: 403 | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg |
Sodium: 633mg | Potassium: 511mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C:
6mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and
brands of ingredients used.

Course Beef, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of

this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any
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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates
easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic
flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create
delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday
Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked
meals.
See more posts by Holly

Follow Holly on social media:

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Comments

Denise Lewis Reply

January 1, 2025 at 5:34 pm

Thanks for the recipe. The family loved the meatloaf. Using the chili sauce gave it a nice
hint of kick.

Barb S Reply
December 31, 2024 at 8:18 am

I’ve been married for 40 years and tried almost every meatloaf recipe and finally this
recipe. Though there is alot of steps… my husband said this was the BEST meatloaf I ever
 made! It also freezes well in thin slices so my husband can take 2 slices to work and make
himself a meatloaf sandwich!!

Holly Nilsson Reply

December 31, 2024 at 8:53 am

I’m so glad you’ve both loved it Barb!

Linda Gurrola Reply

December 31, 2024 at 6:04 am

Had a little trouble (was making half recipe) but the end result was AWESOME! Will
definitely make again but a full recipe. It will make scrumptious sandwiches. Thanks Holly
– looking forward to more fun in the kitchen.

NATE Reply
December 30, 2024 at 4:03 pm

Great recipe, but I had to bake an additional 25 min on 350.

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