One Bite and You’ll Remember Why Meatloaf is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Few comfort foods are as satisfying as a hearty, homemade meatloaf. With its tender texture, savory flavor, and that irresistible sweet-and-tangy glaze, this dish has been a family favorite for generations. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or meal prepping for the week, this classic meatloaf recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

“This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.”

What is Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a traditional American dish made from ground meat, typically beef, that’s mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, seasonings, and vegetables, then baked into a loaf shape. It’s usually topped with a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This hearty recipe is known for being budget-friendly, versatile, and deeply comforting.

Why You’ll Love It

Juicy & Tender: The combination of milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs keeps the loaf moist and soft.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Savory beef mixed with herbs, garlic, and onion, all finished with a sweet, tangy sauce.
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it the perfect dinner to bring everyone together.
Meal Prep Ready: Stores and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers all week.

Tips for the BEST Meatloaf

Use 80–85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Don’t overmix the meat mixture—it can make your loaf dense. Mix just until combined.
Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking. This keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing easier.
Use fresh parsley and onion for brightness and flavor depth.
Glaze halfway through baking for that glossy, caramelized finish.

Can I Bake Meatloaf in a Loaf Pan?

Yes, you can bake meatloaf in a loaf pan, but many people prefer to shape it free-form on a baking sheet. Shaping it by hand allows the edges to brown and the sauce to caramelize beautifully. A loaf pan can sometimes trap extra grease, so if you do use one, be sure to drain the fat halfway through baking.

Serving Suggestions

This classic meatloaf pairs wonderfully with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or carrots
A crisp garden salad
Warm buttered rolls

It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a hug on a plate.

GoodCook Nonstick Loaf Pan Heavy-Duty Steel Bakeware …

STANDARD 9 x 5-INCH LOAF PAN: This standard loaf pan is perfect for baking meatloaf, sweet or savory breads, thick cakes…
EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION: The heavy-duty carbon steel bread pan for baking ensures long-lasting durability and even heat d…
SCRATCH-RESISTANT STEEL: Constructed from heavy-duty steel, this bread baking pan resists warping and scratching to prov…

$6.49

See it on Amazon

Ingredients

(Yields 8 Servings)

Meatloaf Ingredients:

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

Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients:

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

How to Make Meatloaf (Step-by-Step)

Prepare the oven – Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cook the onion – Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Mix the meatloaf base – In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onion, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the loaf – Place the mixture onto the baking sheet and shape it into a loaf, about 8×4 inches.
Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Glaze & bake – Spread half the sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for 40 minutes, then spread the remaining sauce on top. Continue baking for 15–20 more minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest & serve – Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

360 Count 12″x 16″ Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets for Baking…

【Heavy Duty】: Crafted from high strength thick paper and silicone coating, these parchment baking sheets are highly heat…
【Easy Baking & Cleaning】: Featuring a non-stick and oil-proof surface treatment, it prevents food from sticking and the …
【Food Safe】: Made of premium food grade unbleached natural paper and silicone coating, these air fryer liners are BPA-Fr…

$19.98

See it on Amazon

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf mixture, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Slice and wrap portions individually, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How Do I Know When Meatloaf is Done?

The most reliable way is by using a meat thermometer. Your meatloaf is ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center—it should be fully cooked with no pink inside.

Nutrition per Serving

Calories: 338
Protein: 24g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Cholesterol: 119mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 667mg
Potassium: 495mg
Calcium: 65mg
Iron: 3mg

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital – Instant Read Food Thermometer…

Instant Read Food Thermometer | Our instant read thermometer features a temperature probe and advanced, highly accurate …
Multi-Use | From bbq thermometer to baking thermometer, our digital food thermometer for cooking is perfect for meats, l…
Easy-Read Digital Thermometer For Cooking | Large instant thermometer dial with bright blue backlight means you can alwa…

$15.98

See it on Amazon

Final Thoughts

This classic meatloaf recipe is the definition of comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and topped with a glaze that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, it’s a timeless dish that never goes out of style.
Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.