Name: Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds 80%-90% ground beef, or ground turkey or 1 pound ground pork and 1 pound ground beef; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup beef broth, or milk; 2 large eggs, whisked; 2-3 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 Tablespoons ketchup; 1 ¼ teaspoons Kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ⅔ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce, you could mix half and half; 2-3 Tablespoons light brown sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a classic comfort food that never disappoints, the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish takes simple, wholesome ingredients and turns them into a hearty, flavor-packed loaf with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or making sandwiches with the leftovers, this meatloaf is juicy inside, crisp on the edges, and full of nostalgia. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make a meatloaf you’ll crave week after week!

Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great meatloaf starts with everyday ingredients that each play an important part – from the ground meat’s juiciness to the tanginess of the glaze. Each component brings something special to the table, so don’t underestimate the power of every item in this list!

Ground Beef (or Turkey, or Pork and Beef blend): Opt for 80-90% lean for just the right amount of richness and moisture in your loaf.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs help bind everything together while keeping the texture tender, not dense.
Beef Broth or Milk: Adds extra flavor and ensures your meatloaf stays moist and never dry.
Large Eggs: Whisked eggs act as a perfect binding agent, holding the loaf together as it bakes.
Fresh Parsley (finely chopped): Brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of color throughout the loaf.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this gives a little savory, umami kick that’s classic in meatloaf.
Ketchup: Both inside and as a glaze, ketchup brings signature tangy sweetness.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning from the inside out. Taste is everything!
Ground Black Pepper: A little bit of pepper rounds things out for a mild warmth.
Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic, savory notes that complement the other flavors without overpowering them.
Onion Powder: Gives a subtle, sweet onion essence everybody loves in classic meatloaf.
Ketchup or BBQ Sauce (for the glaze): Create your preferred balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky with these sauce bases.
Light Brown Sugar: Melts into the glaze for that irresistible sticky sweetness on top.

How to Make Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure everything bakes evenly. Then, line a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a baking sheet with foil and give it a quick mist of non-stick spray. This little step will make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticky situations later on.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

Grab your largest mixing bowl, then gently combine the ground beef (or your blend of choice), panko breadcrumbs, broth or milk, whisked eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The secret to the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe is not overmixing – just fold the ingredients together until they barely come together for the most tender result.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Scoop the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan, or free-form it into a rustic oblong shape directly onto your lined baking sheet. Press it together lightly so the loaf holds, but don’t compact it too tightly – we want those juices to stay put!

Step 4: Mix and Spread the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup (or a mix of ketchup and BBQ sauce) with light brown sugar. Once smooth, pour or spoon this sweet-and-tangy glaze over the top of your loaf, letting it drip generously down the sides. Add a touch of freshly ground pepper here for extra zip if you like.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Bake for 45 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160°F. Patience is key! Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the juices redistribute so every bite is perfectly moist and flavorful. Welcome to the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe experience.

How to Serve Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

Sometimes a sprinkle of color and freshness is all you need. Garnish your slices of meatloaf with extra chopped fresh parsley or even thinly sliced green onions for a pop of green and a little freshness. A final crack of black pepper on top always brings everything together, too.

Side Dishes

This meatloaf loves a crowd, especially classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or buttery corn on the cob. Try pairing with a crisp garden salad or some tangy pickles for a balanced, homey plate that highlights the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Rethink leftovers! Serve your meatloaf as thick slabs on toasted sourdough with extra glaze for a diner-style sandwich, or cut into cubes and tuck them into a warm grain bowl. For a fun twist, slice and serve mini meatloaf portions in muffin tins as adorable party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your meatloaf tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, so enjoy a slice any time!

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked meatloaf cool completely, then wrap individual slices (or the whole loaf) in plastic wrap and foil. Tuck it into a freezer bag and keep it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 325°F oven covered loosely with foil, until just warmed through. A microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps things juicy and brings back that signature glaze. Add a fresh brush of ketchup glaze if you want extra shine!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey for the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes for a lighter option and still delivers fantastic flavor. Just take care not to overbake since turkey is leaner and can dry out faster than beef.

What can I add for extra moisture?

The panko breadcrumbs and broth or milk are key, but adding a tablespoon of grated onion or a splash more liquid can help if your mixture seems dry. The right balance keeps the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe moist and tender every time.

Do I need to use a loaf pan?

Nope! While a loaf pan gives a tidy shape, you can definitely freeform your loaf on a baking sheet lined with foil. This allows for more glaze exposure and slightly crispier edges – so good!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, covered. Just add the glaze before baking when you’re ready. The flavors have a chance to meld, making the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe even tastier.

What else can I use in the glaze?

Try mixing a little Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of hot sauce into your glaze for a fun twist. It’s all about customizing the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe to your family’s taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe a place at your dinner table soon. There’s something truly comforting about a homemade classic done just right, and sharing it will turn an ordinary meal into something memorable. Enjoy every bite and don’t be surprised if there aren’t any leftovers!

Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

This Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a juicy and tender meatloaf base topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, it’s a family favorite.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet or 9×5-inch loaf pan with foil. Lightly spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the beef, breadcrumbs, broth, eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until just combined. Don’t overmix or the meat won’t be as tender.
Form the loaf: Press the mixture into the loaf pan or form it into a loaf shape on the pan.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and/or BBQ sauce with brown sugar. Pour over the top of the meatloaf. Add pepper on top, if desired.
Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before cutting into slices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American