Print

Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Best Easy Homemade Comfort Food

classic meatloaf recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s easy to make, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup plain or Italian-style bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole or 2% milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
  • For the glaze:
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tsp yellow or Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with baking spray or oil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp mustard for the glaze. Set aside.
  3. Optional: Sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a small skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, salt, pepper, and optional parsley and thyme. Gently mix until just combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape lightly, smoothing the top.
  6. Spoon half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and return to oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken and add a splash more milk. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour work well for gluten-free diets. Sautéing onions and garlic adds sweetness and depth. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for best texture. Leftovers are great for sandwiches. Add shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, comfort food, easy meatloaf, beef meatloaf, family dinner, homemade meatloaf, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/classic-meatloaf-recipe-best-easy-homemade-comfort-food/