Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Classic Meatloaf Recipe | Savory & Comforting Family Favorite

Introduction

There’s something about a Classic Meatloaf that instantly brings feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. With its juicy, flavorful meat, perfectly seasoned with a rich, tangy glaze, it’s the epitome of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weekday or making it for a casual dinner with friends, this dish never disappoints.

Have you ever wondered how a humble combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices could create such magic? It’s because meatloaf is one of those classic comfort foods that just gets it right—simple, satisfying, and oh-so-tasty. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, which means you can get dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.

If you love comfort food as much as we do, you’ll also enjoy our Hearty Beef Meatball Soup. Both dishes deliver that satisfying, hearty feel, but while the meatball soup is more of a brothy dish, this meatloaf is all about that savory, meaty goodness baked to perfection. Ready to make your new favorite family meal? Let’s dive into this recipe!

What is Meatloaf?

Let’s talk about the name Meatloaf—sounds pretty straightforward, doesn’t it? It’s exactly what it sounds like! A loaf made from ground meat, usually beef, combined with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning, then baked to perfection. But why is it called a “loaf”? Well, it’s all about the shape. In fact, many of us probably picture a perfectly shaped meatloaf in our heads, slightly browned on top with a delicious glaze coating the exterior.

Fun fact: some historians believe meatloaf goes all the way back to ancient Rome when people mixed meat with breadcrumbs and eggs to form patties! The modern American version, however, became a household staple in the 19th century. So, when you make this meatloaf, you’re participating in a centuries-old tradition of taking humble ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary.

You know what they say: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If you’re looking for a surefire way to win over anyone’s taste buds, this classic meatloaf is sure to do the trick!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Meatloaf

There’s no denying it—meatloaf is a winner in the world of comfort food. Here are three key reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

1. It’s So Easy to Make: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can make a delicious, satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

2. Cost-Effective Comfort Food: Ground beef is an affordable protein, making this recipe budget-friendly. Plus, it’s easy to make a large batch, so you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank. When you compare it to buying store-bought meals or takeout, this meatloaf is a total money-saver.

3. Customizable Toppings and Flavor Boosters: This meatloaf is fantastic on its own, but the best part is that you can add extra flavor with your choice of toppings. Whether it’s a sweet and tangy glaze, fresh herbs, or melted cheese, the sky’s the limit.

If you’re a fan of hearty, homey meals like Beef Meatball Soup, this meatloaf will quickly become your go-to dish for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, making it an ideal meal prep option.

How to Make Classic Meatloaf

Quick Overview

Making Classic Meatloaf is incredibly easy. It’s all about mixing together your ingredients, shaping them into a loaf, and letting the oven do the hard work. The result? A savory, juicy meatloaf with a caramelized glaze on top—comfort food at its best! This recipe takes only about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for about an hour. In no time, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

Key Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf

To make this savory meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best for juicy meatloaf)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

• For the Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.

3. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking sheet or loaf pan, and shape it into a loaf. If using a baking sheet, form the loaf to about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches high.

4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.

5. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You’ll notice the glaze caramelizing to a beautiful golden color.

6. Rest & Serve: Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and ensures a moist meatloaf.

7. Enjoy!: Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade classic meatloaf with your favorite sides.

What to Serve Classic Meatloaf With

Meatloaf is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a few side dishes will elevate the meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate meatloaf companion. The smooth texture complements the savory meatloaf perfectly.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots adds a fresh touch and some color to the plate.
• Garlic Bread: Nothing beats a crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread to mop up any leftover meatloaf juices and glaze.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the meatloaf and add freshness to the meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Classic Meatloaf

• Choose the Right Meat: For the juiciest meatloaf, opt for an 80/20 beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat). This ratio ensures a flavorful, moist result.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat mixture, be sure not to overmix it. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Gently stir until combined.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures each slice is tender and juicy.
• Customize the Glaze: If you want to get creative, try adding a bit of hot sauce, balsamic vinegar, or even a bit of brown mustard to the glaze for an extra flavor kick.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Allow any leftover meatloaf to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to make extra meatloaf for later, you can freeze slices or the entire loaf. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

Recipe Schema Markup

• Preparation Time: PT15M
• Cooking Time: PT60M
• Total Time: PT1H15M
• Type of Recipe: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Keywords: meatloaf, classic meatloaf, family dinner, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe
• Recipe Yield: 4-6 servings
• Calories: 320 per serving (approx.)

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Pros:

• Easy to make
• Family-friendly
• Budget-friendly
• Customizable glaze

Cons:

• Takes about an hour to bake
• Not ideal for low-fat diets

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a bowl.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
4. Combine glaze ingredients and spread over meatloaf.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest for 10 minutes, slice, and serve. Enjoy!

There you have it—your perfect Classic Meatloaf recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and ideal for any family dinner. Enjoy!