Meatballs & Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf

Name: Classic Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/2 cup (120g) ketchup; 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugar; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley

By Caleb Wycliffe · June 19, 2026 · Meatballs & Meatloaf

Prep20 min

Cook45 min

Total65 min

Serves6

Classic Meatloaf — Homestyle meatloaf, just like mom used to make

There's something special about a warm, comforting slice of homemade meatloaf on a busy weeknight. It's a dish that never fails to bring everyone together, and for good reason - it's easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to suit any family's tastes.

I still remember my mother making meatloaf for our family when I was a kid. The aroma of ground beef, onions, and spices filled the entire house, making our mouths water in anticipation of the delicious meal to come. And when it was finally time to sit down and enjoy it, the first bite was always like a warm hug - comforting, familiar, and utterly satisfying.

Over the years, I've perfected my own classic meatloaf recipe, and it's become a staple in our household. It's a simple, no-fuss dish that requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet yields a rich, meaty flavor that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create a classic meatloaf that's sure to become a favorite in your household. From the importance of using high-quality ground beef to the secret to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, I'll share all my tips and tricks to help you make a delicious, homestyle meatloaf that your family will love.

So, whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a comfort food enthusiast searching for a new twist on a classic recipe, this classic meatloaf recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, let's get started and make some unforgettable memories around the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients and effort.
It's a budget-friendly option that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The recipe can be customized to suit any family's tastes, making it a great option for picky eaters.
It's a comforting, homestyle dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household.
The recipe makes a large meatloaf that can be sliced and served to a crowd, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
It's a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great meatloaf lies in its ability to balance flavors and textures. By using a combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices, we create a rich, meaty flavor profile that's both satisfying and comforting.

The use of breadcrumbs helps to add texture and bind the ingredients together, while the egg provides moisture and helps to keep the meatloaf juicy. The ketchup and brown sugar add a sweet and tangy element, balancing out the savory flavors of the meat and spices.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking method. By baking the meatloaf in the oven, we allow it to cook evenly and slowly, which helps to prevent it from drying out. The result is a moist, flavorful meatloaf that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this classic meatloaf recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices. Be sure to choose high-quality ground beef that's fresh and has a good fat content, as this will help to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

When shopping for ingredients, look for sales on ground beef and stock up for future meals. You can also customize the recipe to suit your family's tastes by adding or substituting different spices and seasonings.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose high-quality ground beef with a good fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15, for the best flavor and texture.
1 medium onion, finely choppedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or yellow onion, for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor, and mince it finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the meatloaf.
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs, such as Panko or white breadcrumbs, to help bind the ingredients together and add texture to the meatloaf.
1 eggUse a large egg to provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
1/2 cup (120g) ketchupUse a high-quality ketchup, such as Heinz or organic ketchup, for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) brown sugarUse light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference, to add a sweet and tangy element to the meatloaf.
1 tsp (5g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor, and adjust to taste.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor, and adjust to taste.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture, and chop it finely to distribute it evenly throughout the meatloaf.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMeat thermometerInstant-read thermometer9x5-inch loaf panOven mittsSharp knife

How to Make Classic Meatloaf

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3
Add the chopped parsley to the bowl and mix until it is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
4
Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x5-inch loaf pan, and use your hands or a spatula to shape it into a loaf.
5
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
6
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
7
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf, and use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the meatloaf at its thickest point.
8
Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the meat to retain its moisture.
9
Slice the meatloaf into thick slices, and serve it with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
10
Use oven mitts to remove the loaf pan from the oven, and use a sharp knife to slice the meatloaf into thick slices.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and the meat to retain its moisture.
Use a sharp knife to slice the meatloaf into thick slices, and serve it with your choice of sides.
Consider making a batch of homemade ketchup or BBQ sauce to serve with the meatloaf, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not letting the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving, which can cause it to dry out.
Using low-quality ground beef, which can affect the flavor and texture of the meatloaf.
Not using enough breadcrumbs, which can cause the meatloaf to fall apart.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a meatloaf that is too salty or too bland.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, to add a rich and creamy element to the meatloaf.
Add some chopped bacon or ham to the meat mixture for a smoky and savory flavor.
Use different types of breadcrumbs, such as Panko or whole wheat breadcrumbs, to add texture and flavor to the meatloaf.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the meat mixture for a fresh and aromatic flavor.
Use a different type of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, to add a sweet and tangy element to the meatloaf.

What to Serve With Classic Meatloaf

Serve the meatloaf with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. Consider making a batch of homemade ketchup or BBQ sauce to serve with the meatloaf, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

Some other ideas for serving the meatloaf include serving it with a side of roasted sweet potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a simple green salad with a homemade vinaigrette. You could also serve it with a side of creamy coleslaw or a warm and crusty loaf of bread.

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesGreen saladCreamy coleslawGrilled asparagusWarm and crusty bread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat the meatloaf, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause it to dry out.

To make the meatloaf ahead of time, simply prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. You can also freeze the meat mixture and thaw it when you are ready to bake it.

When reheating the meatloaf, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure that it is heated to a safe temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and make sure it reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef is best for meatloaf?

The best type of ground beef for meatloaf is a high-quality ground beef with a good fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15. This will help to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and make sure it reaches this temperature before serving.

Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatloaf ahead of time. Simply prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. You can also freeze the meat mixture and thaw it when you are ready to bake it.

How do I store the meatloaf?

Can I reheat the meatloaf?

Yes, you can reheat the meatloaf. Simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause it to dry out.

What are some variations I can try?

Some variations you can try include adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture, using different types of cheese or breadcrumbs, or adding chopped bacon or ham to the meat mixture. You can also try using different types of sugar or spices to add a unique flavor to the meatloaf.

Can I make the meatloaf in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the meatloaf in a slow cooker. Simply prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then place it in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?

To prevent the meatloaf from drying out, make sure to not overmix the meat mixture and to not overbake it. You can also try adding a little bit of liquid, such as beef broth or ketchup, to the meat mixture to help keep it moist.

Can I make individual meatloaves?

Yes, you can make individual meatloaves. Simply prepare the meat mixture and shape it into small loaves, then bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

The Full Recipe

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