Best Meatloaf Recipe How To Make It In 5 Steps

Name: Best Meatloaf Recipe How to Make It In 5 Steps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 medium onion (finely diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup ketchup (for the meat mixture); For the Glaze:; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly seasoned, juicy meatloaf fresh from the oven. That moment when you slice into the tender meat and watch as the savory juices pool on your plate – pure culinary magic! As a home cook who’s tested countless meatloaf recipes over the years, I can confidently say this version is the one that keeps my family running to the dinner table. Unlike those dry, crumbly meatloaves you might remember from childhood, this recipe delivers a perfectly moist, flavorful result every single time.

Just like my popular Classic Pot Roast recipe, this meatloaf combines simple, affordable ingredients with tried-and-true techniques to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, this foolproof recipe will help you create a meatloaf that’s worthy of being your new family favorite. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and discover how to make the best meatloaf you’ve ever tasted!

What is Meatloaf?

Ever wondered why something as simple as ground meat shaped into a loaf became such an enduring American classic? Well, here’s a little food for thought: meatloaf has been comforting hungry families since the Great Depression, when creative home cooks needed to stretch their meat supply as far as possible.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and nowhere is that more true than with a perfectly seasoned meatloaf! It’s basically a big, warm hug in food form – a beautiful blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, vegetables, and seasonings, all baked to perfection. And let me tell you, once you master this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time. Ready to create some delicious memories of your own?

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf

Get ready to fall head over heels for this meatloaf recipe that’s about to become your new weeknight dinner hero! First and foremost, this meatloaf is incredibly juicy and tender, with a perfectly caramelized glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the savory meat. You’ll be amazed at how each bite literally melts in your mouth.

Speaking of budget-friendly meals, this recipe is a real wallet-saver. By combining ground beef with simple pantry staples, you can create a hearty meal that feeds a whole family for less than the cost of dining out. Plus, it’s even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

The secret weapon in this recipe is our special blend of seasonings and the tangy-sweet glaze that creates an irresistible crust on top. Just like in our popular Italian Meatballs recipe, we’ve carefully balanced the flavors to ensure every bite is absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to basic meatloaf again!

How to Make Meatloaf

Quick Overview

This mouthwatering meatloaf comes together in just under an hour and a half, with only 20 minutes of hands-on prep time. The recipe yields a perfectly moist, flavorful loaf that serves 8 people generously. What makes this version special is our unique combination of fresh herbs and the perfect meat-to-breadcrumb ratio that ensures a tender, never-dry result.

Key Ingredients for Meatloaf

For the Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup (for the meat mixture)

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic
- Chop the fresh parsley
- In a small bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs, let stand for 5 minutes
Mix the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overmix!)
- Add 1/2 cup ketchup to the mixture and incorporate evenly
Form the Loaf
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan
- Gently press and shape the mixture into an even loaf
- Make sure not to pack the meat too tightly, as this can lead to a dense final product
Prepare and Apply the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder
- Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf
- Reserve the remaining glaze for later
Bake to Perfection
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven
- Bake for 45 minutes
- Add the remaining glaze and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving

What to Serve Meatloaf With

Transform your meatloaf into a complete meal with these perfect accompaniments:

Classic Comfort Sides:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted garlic green beans
Honey glazed carrots
Buttered corn on the cob

Lighter Options:

Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli with lemon
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower mash (for a low-carb alternative)

Starchy Sides:

Buttered egg noodles
Roasted baby potatoes
Mac and cheese
Garlic bread

Top Tips for Perfecting Meatloaf

Choose the Right Meat
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect fat content
- If using leaner meat, add 1/4 cup grated cheese to maintain moisture
- Consider mixing in ground pork for extra flavor
Proper Mixing Technique
- Use clean hands instead of utensils for better control
- Mix just until ingredients are combined – overmixing leads to tough meatloaf
- Keep ingredients at room temperature for even mixing
Temperature Matters
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness (160°F/71°C)
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing
- Don’t overbake, as this will dry out the meat
Moisture Management
- Don’t skip the milk-soaked breadcrumbs
- Add grated vegetables for extra moisture (carrots or zucchini work well)
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the meatloaf and drain excess fat
Flavor Enhancements
- Toast the breadcrumbs for extra flavor
- Sauté the onions and garlic before adding to reduce moisture and enhance taste
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze for extra tang

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage ensures your meatloaf stays fresh and delicious for future meals.

Fresh Storage:

Cool completely before storing
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
Store in an airtight container
Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Freezing Instructions:

Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap
Place wrapped portions in a freezer bag
Remove as much air as possible
Freezes well for up to 3 months
Label with date and contents

Reheating Methods:

Oven (Best Method):

Preheat to 250°F (120°C)
Place slices on a baking sheet
Add a splash of beef broth or water
Cover with foil
Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warm

Microwave (Quick Method):

Place slice on a microwave-safe plate
Cover with a damp paper towel
Heat in 30-second intervals
Add extra glaze if desired

Pro Tips:

Slice before freezing for easier portioning
Thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator
Add fresh glaze when reheating for best results
Never refreeze previously frozen meatloaf

Remember, proper storage and reheating techniques are key to maintaining the flavor and texture of your meatloaf. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, these guidelines will help you enjoy your meatloaf just as much the second time around!

Conclusion

There you have it, friends – your ticket to meatloaf perfection! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your dinner table as it has to mine over the years. Remember, the beauty of homemade meatloaf lies not just in its delicious taste, but in how it brings people together. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this classic comfort food never disappoints.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own – maybe add some diced bell peppers for extra color, or experiment with different glazes. The basic technique will serve as your foundation for countless delicious variations. And if your first attempt isn’t picture-perfect? That’s all part of the cooking journey! Every time you make this meatloaf, you’ll discover new little tricks to make it even better.

One of the things I love most about sharing this recipe is hearing how it becomes part of other families’ dinner rotations. There’s something special about knowing that this humble dish is creating memories in kitchens across the country. So if you try this recipe (which I really hope you do!), I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below.

Remember, the key to a fantastic meatloaf isn’t just in following the recipe – it’s in the love and care you put into making it. So take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every bite with the people you care about. Happy cooking!

FAQS

What is the secret to the best meatloaf?

The key to making the best meatloaf is a combination of moisture, binding agents, seasoning, and proper cooking techniques. Here are some essential secrets:
Use a mix of meats – A combination of beef, pork, and sometimes veal gives the best flavor and texture.
Soften breadcrumbs – Instead of using dry breadcrumbs, soak them in milk or broth for added moisture.
Don’t overwork the meat – Mix ingredients gently to keep the meatloaf tender.
Season well – Salt, pepper, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs elevate the taste.
Add moisture – Ingredients like eggs, ketchup, mustard, or even shredded vegetables (carrots, zucchini) keep it juicy.
Bake on a rack – Instead of a loaf pan, using a baking sheet with a rack prevents grease from pooling.

What do you put in the bottom of a meatloaf pan?

If using a loaf pan, placing certain ingredients at the bottom can prevent sticking and enhance flavor:
Slices of bread – Absorbs excess grease.
Thin onion slices – Adds extra flavor and prevents sticking.
Bacon strips – Creates a crispy, flavorful bottom.

What not to put in meatloaf?

Avoid these mistakes to ensure a great meatloaf:
Too many breadcrumbs – Can make the meatloaf dry and crumbly.
Too much liquid – Leads to a mushy texture.
Leaner meats only – Using only lean beef (like 90/10) can result in a dry loaf.
Raw vegetables without pre-cooking – They release water and can cause uneven texture.
Overmixing – Makes the meatloaf tough and dense.Adding an extra egg makes the meatloaf:
More moist – Eggs contribute to tenderness.
More cohesive – Helps prevent crumbling.
Slightly firmer – Too many eggs can make it dense, so balance is key.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

The binding agents hold everything together:
Eggs – Provide structure and moisture.
Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers – Absorb liquid and help bind the meat.
Milk or broth – Softens the breadcrumbs for better cohesion.

What does adding an extra egg to meatloaf do?

Adding an extra egg makes the meatloaf:
More moist – Eggs contribute to tenderness.
More cohesive – Helps prevent crumbling.
Slightly firmer – Too many eggs can make it dense, so balance is key.