The Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe Ever
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade meatloaf recipe is a comforting classic that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers a delicious, hearty meal every time. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, even on busy weeknights. The blend of flavors is perfectly balanced, with just the right mix of savory and sweet. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite herbs or spices to make it truly your own!
Recipe
This classic homemade meatloaf recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and delivers a flavorful, tender result every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard). Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes:
For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Add vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl, loaf pan, small bowl, oven
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
Homemade meatloaf is a hearty dish that provides essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables, as they balance the meal perfectly. The potatoes add comfort, while the veggies bring a fresh, crisp contrast to each bite. It’s a combination that never fails to make the dish feel complete.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and a perfect partner for meatloaf, adding a creamy, buttery touch that ties the meal together. I love how they’re simple to make yet feel indulgent, especially with a dollop of sour cream or a splash of warm milk mixed in. They’re the ideal side dish to balance meatloaf’s heartiness, creating a meal that feels cozy and complete. I always mash mine with a bit of garlic for extra flavor, and honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a bite before dinner’s ready. They’re just that good—warm, comforting, and always satisfying.
Steamed Vegetables
While meatloaf’s rich flavor shines on its own, steamed vegetables bring a fresh, light balance to the plate that’s hard to resist. I love pairing it with vibrant vegetable types like broccoli, carrots, or green beans—they add color and crunch. Steaming’s one of my favorite cooking methods because it keeps the veggies tender-crisp and locks in nutrients. I just pop them in a steamer basket over simmering water for a few minutes. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle them with a little olive oil or sprinkle with herbs for extra flavor. It’s simple, healthy, and the perfect complement to that hearty meatloaf.
