Classic Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

This Classic Homemade Meatloaf is the kind of nostalgic comfort food that warms the soul and brings everyone to the table hungry and happy. With just the right blend of juicy ground beef, aromatic herbs, creamy milk-soaked breadcrumbs, and that irresistible sweet-and-tangy ketchup glaze, this meatloaf hits every note for a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re serving it up for Sunday supper or sneaking a slice for next-day sandwiches, Classic Homemade Meatloaf proves why it’s always been a dinnertime star.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Classic Homemade Meatloaf lies in its simplicity—just a handful of familiar ingredients come together to make something truly special. Each one has a purpose, working with the others to create a loaf that’s flavorful, moist, and gloriously golden on top.

• Ground beef (80/20): The perfect fat ratio ensures a moist, tender meatloaf with plenty of beefy flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together while soaking up flavor and moisture for a perfect, sliceable texture.
• Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and adds a rich, creamy touch so your loaf is never dry.
• Eggs: Acting as the “glue,” eggs hold the loaf together and contribute extra tenderness.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion sneaks in a subtle sweetness and a touch of juiciness throughout every bite.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings in an aromatic depth that rounds out the flavor profile of the meatloaf.
• Ketchup: Used inside and on top, it adds tangy sweetness and gives the loaf its signature color and shine.
• Worcestershire sauce: A splash of this umami-packed sauce boosts savoriness and complexity.
• Salt and black pepper: The basics, but essential for seasoning every layer.
• Dried thyme: Just a sprinkle infuses the loaf with a cozy, earthy flavor.
• Dried parsley: Adds freshness and a hint of color to the mix.
• Brown sugar: Mixed into the topping, it balances the acidity in the ketchup with a touch of caramel sweetness.
• Yellow mustard: Brings a delightful tang and complexity to the glaze.

How to Make Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Soak Breadcrumbs

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you a head start so everything is ready when your Classic Homemade Meatloaf goes in. In a big mixing bowl, add your breadcrumbs and pour the milk over them. Let this sit for about 5 minutes—the crumbs will soak up the milk and become delightfully tender, guaranteeing your meatloaf won’t be dry.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

Now, add the ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the breadcrumb-milk mixture. Here’s the key: fold everything together gently with your hands or a fork. You want everything combined evenly, but overmixing can yield a tougher loaf—so just mix until it looks uniform and stop there.

Step 3: Shape and Place in Pan

Turn the mixture out onto a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, or press it into a loaf pan for those classic squared-off edges. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. This helps it cook evenly, allowing the outside to develop a gorgeous crust while the middle stays juicy.

Step 4: Make and Add the Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Spread this sweet-and-tangy glaze over the top of your shaped meatloaf—this caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving you that perfect, sticky finish everyone looks forward to slicing through.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Pop the loaf into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, let your meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this resting time helps all those savory juices redistribute, making every bite more tender and flavorful. Then just slice and savor!

How to Serve Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives over your Classic Homemade Meatloaf makes the colors pop and gives a hint of freshness. A few grinds of black pepper or a light dusting of flaky sea salt right before serving can also punctuate the flavors nicely.

Side Dishes

Nothing says comfort like serving Classic Homemade Meatloaf alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or sweet roasted carrots. Don’t overlook creamy mac and cheese for a little nostalgic indulgence, or a simple crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to have fun with the presentation, try slicing the meatloaf thick and layering it atop toasted bread with a dollop of extra glaze or BBQ sauce—instant open-faced sandwiches! For a party or potluck, cut the loaf into bite-sized cubes and serve each piece with a toothpick and a small bowl of glaze for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Homemade Meatloaf will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply wrap slices or the entire loaf tightly in foil or store in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on meals, this meatloaf freezes extremely well! Once cooled, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, or tuck it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To freeze individual slices, put parchment paper between them for easy grabbing later.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 300°F oven, covered with foil to lock in moisture, until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, pop a slice in the microwave with a splash of water on the plate and loosely cover—it keeps the meat moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for beef in this Classic Homemade Meatloaf?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great lighter alternative. Just be sure to use dark meat, or add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra moisture, since turkey tends to be a bit leaner than beef.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

If you’re out of breadcrumbs, try crushed saltine crackers, oats, or even panko. Each will give your Classic Homemade Meatloaf a slightly different texture, but they all work as fantastic binders!

How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?

The secret is all in the binding ingredients—eggs and breadcrumbs soaked in milk help hold everything together. Be sure not to skip these, and avoid overmixing, which can weaken the loaf’s structure.

Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the loaf and topping a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before popping it in the oven, so it bakes evenly.

Is Classic Homemade Meatloaf gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can swap out traditional breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative and double-check that your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free brands.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to welcome this Classic Homemade Meatloaf into your regular dinner rotation. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with delicious aromas and brings out smiles all around the table. Give it a try and see just how comforting and crowd-pleasing the classics can truly be!

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