The best Meatloaf Recipe is one that is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ground beef, seasonings, onions, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs with a zesty topping (my favorite part)!
Below I share my favorite tips to ensure a flavorful meatloaf that is tender, holds together, and will get rave reviews every time.
This easy meatloaf recipe is a family favorite and is pretty simple to make! Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for the perfect comforting meal.
Ingredients
- GROUND BEEF: We use 80/20 ground beef for meatloaf. This provides enough fat to keep it juicy without being greasy.
- Breadcrumbs & eggs help hold the loaf together and give it the perfect texture. Seasoned/Italian breadcrumbs are best as they add extra flavor.
- Seasonings – Onions, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper. Simple but delicious.
- Topping – This is the best part! A zesty combo of ketchup and chili sauce (with a hint of brown sugar) is a favorite topping.
Meatloaf Sauce
My favorite sauce for meatloaf is a flavorful zesty topping that caramelizes and gets a bit sticky to glaze the meatloaf as it bakes. I use a combo of chili sauce and ketchup (just like my mom always made) and a pinch of brown sugar.
Chili sauce is not spicy, it is similar to very zesty ketchup with more tang and less sweetness. (Find chili sauce near the ketchup). Mixed with ketchup, it creates a beautiful topping. (It’s also great mixed 50/50 with BBQ sauce for burgers and ribs).
Variations
- Brown Sugar Meatloaf Glaze: Skip the chili sauce and combine equal parts brown sugar and ketchup with a dash of cider vinegar.
- Brown Gravy: Skip the topping altogether and serve the meatloaf with brown gravy (homemade, leftover, or packaged).
How To Make Meatloaf
- Soften the onion in a pan (per recipe below).
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Form into a loaf and bake (cook times below based on the size of the loaf).
- Top with the meatloaf sauce and bake until bubbly.
Tips for Perfection
- Do Not Overmix: Mix until everything is just combined. Over mixing will create a dense loaf!
- Use Lean Meat: Use lean beef (but not extra lean). 80/20 is the best mixture for meatloaf. You need a bit of fat for flavor but don’t want it swimming in grease so lean beef is the perfect option.
- Add flavors and moisture: Adding in seasonings and soaking the breadcrumbs in milk keep every bit of this meatloaf flavorful and moist.
- Skip the Loaf Pan: Using a baking sheet to cook your meatloaf gives the best results. If you cook in a loaf pan you’ll get steam (and nobody wants steamed meat) and nowhere for the drippings to go. Form your own loaf on a foil-lined pan.
- Rest the Meatloaf: With any meatloaf recipe, it should be rested once it comes out of the oven. This helps redistribute the juices and makes sure it won’t fall apart when you cut it!
How Long To Cook Meatloaf
A 2 lb meatloaf (recipe below) will cook at 350°F for about 55-65 minutes or at 375°F for 45-55 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Meatloaf Cooking Times
If you are making half of a recipe (or increasing it) you can use the cook times below to cook at 350°F. A thermometer is the best way to ensure the meatloaf is cooked through yet perfectly tender.
- Bake a 1lb meatloaf for about 45 minutes total.
- Bake a 2lb meatloaf for about 55 minutes total.
- Bake a 3 lb meatloaf for about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Kitchen Tip Always let meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before you slice it. This helps it retain its juices and ensures it doesn’t fall apart when you slice it.
How to Freeze Meatloaf
Before Cooking To freeze meatloaf before cooking, place in a loaf pan lined with plastic wrap (or form a loaf on a pan). Freeze completely, seal well. Defrost raw frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator 24 hours. Bake as directed.
After Cooking Once cooked and cooled, freeze individual slices on a parchment-lined pan. Once the slices are frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab one slice or several to reheat! Simply reheat in the microwave or in the oven.
Did you make this meatloaf? Be sure to leave a comment and review below!
The Best Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- salt & pepper to taste
Meatloaf Sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a foil lined baking tray with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small pan, cook onions in butter over medium low heat until tender. Cool completely.
- In a medium bowl combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Allow mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, onions, 1 tablespoon of ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley and salt & pepper to taste. Mix until just combined.
- Form a 8"x4" loaf on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the chili sauce and ketchup (and brown sugar if using). Spread mixture over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cooked through and the meatloaf reaches 160°F. Broil 1-2 mintues if desired.
- Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beef, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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I made this recipe 4 times now & my family just can’t get enough of it
Delicious!!!
I have tried many recipes over the years and this one by far was the best. I did cut the onion down to 1/4 of a medium size onion and it was perfect!!!!
I made your meatloaf recipe tonight and it was fantastic, so this is our new meatloaf recipe from now on! We also really liked the sauce that goes on top.
Thank you so much for sharing your recipe!
I made this tonight and it was really good. I added 2 tsp of salt and 1 tsp Pepper. Next time I make it I’ll add a bit more. And maybe a bit less milk, for my personal taste.
Made this tonight and it was amazing. Thanks for a great and simple recipe
Amazing! I added red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Just a little added heat! This replaces my old recipe forever.
That was THE BEST meatloaf I have ever had! Thank you! ☺️ Definitely my go to now!
Delicious! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe!
Made this meatloaf for Sunday potluck at our church. It was so good! Enjoyed by all! I loved the extra tips.
Delish !!!!
No ketchup or chili sauce used. Substituted cream of celery soup. Smooth, consistent, and enjoyable! Look forward to having the other half very soon.
I haven’t made this yet, so apologies for no rating with comment. I have a question. If i have a loaf pan that has a fitted roasting pan that goes in it, do you suppose that could work? Do you think it would allow the top of the meatloaf to “crust”?
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure Brittany. I think you may not get quite as nice of a crust all the way around, but If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
Sounds delicious can’t wait to make it this way , I like the glaze on top also . I have enjoyed many of your recipes thank you
hi! do you cover with foil while baking? it doesn’t say?
thanks
This is baked uncovered so it forms a nice crust.
Grêat meatloaf
yummy. thank you for this recipe and many others. Lately when I’ve searched a recipe yours always seem to pop up each time. It’s awesome. Thank you again.
you’re so beautiful too.
Thank you so much for the kind words Suzie! I am so glad you are loving the recipes!
SWP is always my “go to” recipe site when I’m looking for a new recipe. I finally mastered Chicken & Dumplings, thanks to you!
Love this recipe! Very moist & flavor is on point! Family loved it. I’ll be making this again❤️
The meatloaf is good as made, but since my tastebuds are not as lively as they used to be, I do prefer stronger seasoning. However, the sauce for on top is awesome! I loved the bit of heat from the chili sauce and the sweetness of the brown sugar. Makes a nice change from the ketchup and bacon strips my family always wanted.