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Easy Meatloaf Recipe

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Meatloaf is a favorite around our dinner table, and it’s been a mainstay in American kitchens for generations. Savory ground beef, onions and spices all come together in this easy meatloaf recipe you can rely on for a quick, delicious dinner any night of the week.

classic meatloaf recipe

I recently read that meatloaf — at least some version of it — can be traced back to Roman times! In America, it’s believed it originated from a variation brought by German-Americans in the colonial era. Most believe the traditional meatloaf recipes we are familiar with today rose to popularity during the Great Depression when resourceful home cooks sought ways to stretch limited ingredients and create a filling meal.

One of the reasons meatloaf remains a favorite is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. While we prefer a traditional beef loaf, people often experiment with other meats like ground turkey and pork. Plant-based alternatives can work, too.

Beyond the protein, meatloaf is a culinary chameleon all the way around, easily customized with different seasonings, sauces, and fillers depending on what you like.

How to build a meal around meatloaf

When it comes to what to serve with this easy meatloaf recipe, there are countless options for sides, appetizers and desserts that work wonderfully. I usually serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetable salad or roasted broccoli, and a simple green salad to a add cool, fresh contrast.

For dessert, stay in the hearty and comforting zone with a fruit cobbler (check out this three-ingredient peach cobbler) or a warm slice of apple pie.

Iced tea or lemonade cut through the richness of all these flavors, or you could go with a light red wine or chilled beer for adult beverage options.

sliced easy meatloaf recipe

Ingredients needed to make this easy meatloaf recipe

Here are a few simple items to gather to whip up this delicious meatloaf, plus a little about what each does to make it taste so good!

  • Onion: Adds moisture and provides a mild, sweet flavor.
  • Butter: Helps soften the onions while cooking and adds richness to the meatloaf.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture to the finished dish.
  • Milk: Keeps the meatloaf tender and moist.
  • Bread Crumbs: Absorbs flavors and create a lighter, more tender texture.
  • Ground Beef: Serves as the base for the meatloaf, giving it a savory flavor and hearty texture.
  • Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle aroma.
  • Ketchup: Contributes a tangy, sweet-and-sour element to the overall flavor of the loaf and serves as a base for the glaze.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the glaze and helps create a caramelized crust on the meatloaf.
  • Cider Vinegar: Also used for the glaze, it adds a slight tanginess and acidity to balance the sweetness.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the meaty flavor with savory complexity.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings a balanced blend of herbs and spices to the dish.
  • Parsley: Adds pops of color and a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
  • Salt & Pepper: Balance and enhance the overall flavor.
meatloaf recipe ingredients
meatloaf glaze ingredients

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Saute pan
  • Loaf baking pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowls 

Frequently asked questions about meatloaf

Here are the most commonly asked questions about meatloaf that may come up as you make this recipe. Leave a comment if you have a question I haven’t covered here, and I will respond as soon as I can!

What is the secret to a great meatloaf?

This easy, classic meatloaf recipe! In all seriousness, it gives you everything you need: proper seasoning and the right balance of ingredients for the best meatloaf. Another tip is to avoid overmixing the meat, which can result in a tough, dense texture. Be sure to combine everything well, and stop there.

What happens if you forget the milk in the meatloaf?

If you forget the milk in the meatloaf, the final dish may be drier and less tender, as milk helps maintain moisture during cooking. If you are out of milk, you can substitute water for added moisture, but you’ll lose some of the rich flavor.

How do I cook meatloaf without drying it out?

To prevent meatloaf from drying out, ensure you have enough moist ingredients (like milk and eggs) and avoid overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness can help ensure a moist, tender result.

Can I make this easy meatloaf recipe without using bread crumbs?

While bread crumbs are the most commonly used ingredient to create a tender texture and lock in flavors, alternatives such as oats, crushed crackers, or even cooked rice can be substituted in a pinch.

What is the best way to store meatloaf leftovers?

To store leftover meatloaf, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and wrap individual portions, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and freeze them for up to 3-4 months. Thaw the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven or microwave.

meatloaf dinner with green beans

More Grandma Approved Recipes You Will Love:

If you enjoyed this easy homemade meatloaf recipe, take a look at some of these other hearty dishes you can add to your rotation:

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Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is a favorite around our dinner table, and it's been a mainstay in American kitchens for generations. Savory ground beef, onions and spices all come together in this easy meatloaf recipe you can rely on for a quick, delicious dinner any night of the week.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American or German
Keyword: ground beef dinner
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Laura

Equipment

  • Loaf baking pan
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Mixing bowls 

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a loaf baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
  • In a small saute pan, cook onions in butter over medium-low heat until tender. Let cool completely.
    cook onions for meatloaf recipe
  • In a medium or large bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs.
    meatloaf ingredients for recipe
  • Add the ground beef, cooked onions, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and salt & pepper to the bowl. With clean hands, mix everything until well combined.
    combining meatloaf ingredients in a bowl.
  • Form a loaf with the meat mixture and place it on the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
    raw meatloaf meat before cooking.
  • While the meatloaf is cooking, add all of the glaze ingredients to a small bowl, mix, and set aside. Once the 40 minutes is up, spread the glaze all over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
    Add ketchup glaze for meatloaf recipe.
  • Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
    slices of cooked meatloaf.

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