This Easy Meatloaf Recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a flavorful ketchup glaze, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. If you’ve been searching for a fail-proof meatloaf, this one will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple pantry ingredients you already have on hand
- Juicy, tender texture that never turns out dry
- A family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight meals
- Great for leftovers, sandwiches, or meal prep
- Comfort food classic that always pleases a crowd
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp mustard (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan and shape evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze. Spread half over the meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze, and bake an additional 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats for a rustic twist.
- Add shredded carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrition.
- Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked meatloaf slices wrapped individually for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans or carrots
- Warm dinner rolls
- A crisp green salad for balance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep meatloaf from falling apart?
Be sure to use enough binder—breadcrumbs and eggs help hold everything together.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the loaf up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely, just keep an eye on the bake time as leaner meats cook faster.
Why does my meatloaf turn out dry?
Overmixing or overbaking can cause dryness. Mix gently and remove once it reaches 160°F.
Ready to Make It?
This Easy Meatloaf Recipe is proof that classic comfort food never goes out of style. With its juicy interior, savory glaze, and simple prep, it’s a dish your whole family will love. Try it this week and save it to your recipe collection for those nights when only hearty, home-cooked flavor will do.
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Easy Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Meatloaf Recipe is juicy, tender, and topped with a flavorful glaze. A comforting family dinner that’s simple to prepare and always satisfying.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (alcohol-free)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
1 tbsp mustard (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan and shape evenly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze. Spread half over the meatloaf.
5. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze, and bake an additional 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
– Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter loaf.
– Use oats or crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
– Add shredded zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
– Make ahead and freeze for up to 3 months.
– Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days.
– Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg