Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Easy and Delicious Comfort Food

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings the family together? Look no further than this classic Meatloaf Recipe with its sweet and tangy glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture savory ground beef mingling perfectly with a sticky, flavorful exterior – it’s a dish that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked goodness. This recipe has been my go-to for cozy family dinners and special occasions, earning its spot as a beloved favorite in my household.

Crafted during a chilly winter, this meatloaf became my signature dish, offering warmth and flavor in every bite. The secret touch of brown sugar in the glaze adds that extra oomph, creating a delightful contrast that elevates this dish from good to extraordinary. Passed down from my grandmother, this recipe holds a special place in my heart and has become a staple at our family gatherings. The aroma of this meatloaf baking in the oven is enough to bring everyone rushing to the table, eager to savor its comforting taste.

To achieve the perfect texture and juiciness, handle the meat mixture with care, avoiding the common pitfall of overmixing. With just the right blend of ingredients like breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs, this meatloaf retains moisture and tenderness, ensuring a delectable outcome every time. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or your favorite sides for a complete meal that promises to delight taste buds and warm hearts. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a memorable dining experience with this mouthwatering Meatloaf Recipe.

Quick Benefits

• The brown sugar glaze creates a sticky sweet exterior that elevates the savory meatloaf to an exceptional level, adding a perfect contrast of flavors.
• Properly combining breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs helps retain moisture in the meatloaf, ensuring a juicy and tender texture.
• The versatility of the recipe allows for the substitution of ground beef with turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage, providing options for varying tastes and dietary preferences.
• Refrigerating leftovers and reheating slices ensures the meatloaf can be enjoyed for up to 3 days while maintaining its delicious flavors and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Easy and Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

• Nostalgic Comfort Food: This classic meatloaf recipe with a sweet and tangy glaze delivers a nostalgic comfort food experience that will have your family running to the dinner table every time you make it.
• Signature Dish Worthy: Perfectly crafted during a cold winter, this meatloaf recipe has become a signature dish adored by both my family and guests.
• Secret Ingredient Magic: The brown sugar in the glaze is the secret ingredient that elevates this meatloaf from good to exceptional, creating a perfect sticky sweet exterior that complements the savory meat.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance, shaping the mixture and storing it in the refrigerator, or pre-mix the glaze and store it separately for easy meal prep.
• Long-Term Storage: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, offering convenient make-ahead options for busy days.
• Textural Perfection: The meatloaf’s perfect texture is achieved by handling the meat properly, avoiding overmixing, and allowing it to rest before slicing to ensure juiciness and tenderness.
• Savory and Moist: A combination of breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs keep the meatloaf moist, while sautéed onions and parsley add depth of flavor and texture.
• Versatile Protein Options: You can customize this recipe by replacing part or all of the ground beef with turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage, catering to different dietary preferences.
• Easy Preparation: Mixing the ingredients just until combined and using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature make this recipe beginner-friendly and foolproof.
• Delicious Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat slices in the microwave or oven, ensuring that you can enjoy this delightful meatloaf even on busy weekdays.

Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Easy and Delicious Comfort Food

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 80% lean
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar

How to Make Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Easy and Delicious Comfort Food

Step 1: Prep

Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, and preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Step 2: Sautee Onions

Place a medium skillet over medium heat. Heat 1 tsp olive oil, then saute chopped onion until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Step 3: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

Combine ground beef, cooked onions, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Shape Meatloaf and Bake

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet, making it approximately 20 cm long, 10 cm wide, and 7.5 cm tall (8x4x3 inches). Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 40 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Combine ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Evenly spread the sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Storage Tips

Once your meatloaf is cooked and cooled, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can slice the cooled meatloaf and freeze individual portions. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen meatloaf, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes or microwaving individual slices for approximately 1 minute.

To ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly juicy and tender, handle the meat mixture gently and avoid overmixing. Mixing just until combined will help the loaf hold together without becoming tough. Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing is also crucial as it allows the proteins to relax and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Remember to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F before removing the meatloaf from the oven to ensure it is cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute part or all of the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These options will still provide a flavorful meatloaf while reducing the overall fat content. Just ensure poultry is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

For a vegetarian twist, you can try using a meat substitute like lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of beans as a base for the meatloaf. These options can provide a similar texture and absorb flavors well. Combine them with seasonings and binders like breadcrumbs and eggs to create a delicious vegetarian meatloaf.

If you need to make the meatloaf gluten-free, you can swap the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure to check the other ingredients for hidden gluten and choose gluten-free options if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try making meatloaf sliders by slicing the meatloaf into smaller pieces and placing them between mini buns with a dollop of mashed potatoes and a drizzle of the tangy glaze. This bite-sized version is perfect for parties or as a fun twist on a classic comfort food meal.

Another serving idea is to transform leftover meatloaf into a delicious sandwich. Toast two slices of bread, spread some mayo or ketchup on one side, add a slice of meatloaf, a layer of mashed potatoes, and top with the other slice of bread for the ultimate comfort food sandwich. This hearty sandwich is great for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option.

FAQs for Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Easy and Delicious Comfort Food

Can I substitute the ground beef with a different type of meat?

Yes, you can replace half or all of the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even Italian sausage. Just ensure poultry is cooked to 165°F.

How should I mix the ingredients to ensure a tender meatloaf?

Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the mixture. This helps the loaf hold together while staying tender.

How can I tell when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F before removing the meatloaf from the oven.

How should I store and reheat leftover meatloaf?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or place the loaf in an oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

As you embark on making this classic Meatloaf Recipe, remember that cooking is all about creating delicious memories and savoring the joyful moments shared around the dinner table. The heartwarming aroma that fills your kitchen as the meatloaf bakes is just a precursor to the delight that comes with each flavorful bite. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite in your home.

So, gather your loved ones, set the table with care, and enjoy the magic of a homemade meal that brings smiles and contentment. Embrace the simplicity and warmth of this Meatloaf Recipe, and let its comforting flavors wrap you in a delicious embrace. From my kitchen to yours, may every slice of this savory meatloaf bring you closer together and fill your hearts with joy. Cheers to good food, cherished traditions, and the simple pleasures that make life truly wonderful. Happy cooking!

Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Easy and Delicious Comfort Food

“Classic meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze, a savory delight perfect for family dinners and cherished for its comforting flavors.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time65 Minutes

Total Time80 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings

Ingredients

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 80% lean
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar

Instructions

1. Prep: Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, and preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Sautee Onions: Place a medium skillet over medium heat. Heat 1 tsp olive oil, then saute chopped onion until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture: Combine ground beef, cooked onions, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Shape Meatloaf and Bake: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet, making it approximately 20 cm long, 10 cm wide, and 7.5 cm tall (8x4x3 inches). Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 40 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce: Combine ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
6. Add the Glaze: Evenly spread the sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F). Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.