Classic Meatloaf Recipe: Hearty Family Dinner (Print Version)

Craving comfort? This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is easy, delicious, and brings back all the good feelings. A family favorite with a simple glaze.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based

# Ingredients:

→ Main Meatloaf Mix

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
04 - 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Glaze Goodness

10 - 1/2 cup ketchup
11 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
12 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

→ Optional Add-ins

13 - 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper
14 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab a really big bowl. You're going to combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Now, this is where I always get a little messy, but it's part of the fun! Use your hands, honestly. It’s the best way to gently mix everything until it's just combined. Don't overmix, or your Classic Meatloaf Recipe will be tough – I learned that the hard way, thinking more mixing was better, oops.
02 - Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a foil-lined pan. Gently shape it into a rectangular loaf, about 9x5 inches. You want it to be even so it cooks consistently. I try to make mine look pretty, but let's be real, it usually ends up looking rustic. Don't press it too hard, just a gentle patting motion. This step is crucial for that ideal Classic Meatloaf Recipe shape and even cooking.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for our glorious glaze. This is the magic sauce, folks! Spread about half of this mixture evenly over the top and sides of your meatloaf. It's going to create this beautiful, slightly caramelized crust as it bakes. I always make sure to get it right to the edges because that's the best part, honestly. This glaze is what makes this Classic Meatloaf Recipe truly special.
04 - Pop your meatloaf into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Let it bake for about 45 minutes. You'll start to smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen – that's when you know things are going well! After 45 minutes, pull it out and spread the remaining glaze over the top. This second layer helps build up that fantastic flavor and prevents the glaze from burning too early. It's a little trick I picked up after a few burnt glazes, oops.
05 - Once your Classic Meatloaf Recipe has baked for another 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), take it out of the oven. This is the hardest part, honestly: letting it rest. Loosely tent it with foil and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a super moist and tender meatloaf. If you slice it too soon, all those delicious juices will run out, and we don't want that!
06 - After its much-deserved rest, slice your Classic Meatloaf Recipe into thick, hearty portions. I usually go for about 1-inch slices. You'll see how beautifully it holds together now, and that glaze is just calling your name. Serve it up hot with your favorite sides. The smell, the sight, the taste – it's pure comfort food perfection. This Classic Meatloaf Recipe is truly a winner, every time.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the meat! It makes for a tough meatloaf, honestly. I learned that the hard way, thinking more mixing meant more flavor, oops.
02 - You can assemble this whole thing the night before and just keep it covered in the fridge. Pop it in the oven when you're ready, just add about 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
03 - No breadcrumbs? Crushed saltines or even leftover torn-up sandwich bread soaked in milk works! I've used both in a pinch, and it was pretty good, to be real.
04 - Serve this with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes to catch all that glorious glaze. It's truly the best part, I swear.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - baking sheet or loaf pan
03 - whisk
04 - meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 35g

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