The Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade meatloaf is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and always a hit at the dinner table.
- Perfectly moist and flavorful—thanks to a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings that lock in juiciness.
- Simple pantry ingredients—no fancy shopping trips needed, just basics you likely already have on hand.
- Customizable to your taste—add veggies, switch up the glaze, or make it your own for a family favorite.
Recipe
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. This homemade recipe delivers a flavorful, moist loaf with a delicious glaze on top.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients and spread evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
- Loaf pan or baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6-8 slices
Nutrition
This homemade meatloaf recipe is a classic comfort food, packed with flavor and nutrients. Below is the nutritional information per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 28g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes and steamed green beans, but sometimes I mix it up with roasted carrots or garlic butter corn. For a fresh twist, a crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Don’t forget warm dinner rolls or cornbread to soak up all those tasty juices!
Side Dishes Suggestions
When you’re serving up a hearty slice of homemade meatloaf, you’ll want sides that balance its rich flavor without stealing the spotlight. I love pairing it with healthy sides like roasted veggies or a crisp green salad—they add freshness without weighing me down. For quick accompaniments, I often go for mashed potatoes or buttered corn—they’re comforting and easy to whip up. Steamed green beans or garlic sautéed spinach are also great options that keep the meal light yet satisfying. These choices complement the meatloaf perfectly, creating a well-rounded plate that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Perfect Pairings Choice
Since meatloaf’s a classic comfort dish, you’ll want sides that make it shine without overcomplicating things. I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans or roasted root vegetables—simple but satisfying. For drinks, I’d recommend trying a bold red wine selection, like Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the savory flavors perfectly. If you’re more into beer, a malty amber ale or a crisp lager makes a great beer pairing that balances the richness of the meatloaf. Don’t forget a slice of cornbread or a fresh salad to round it out. Trust me, it’s a combo that hits the spot every time.
