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    Home » Best Meatloaf Recipe

    Best Meatloaf Recipe

    Published: Feb 26, 2021 · Modified: Oct 22, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This is the best meatloaf recipe ever! It’s tender, moist and flavorful with the most delicious glaze. This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic that your whole family will love! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make meatloaf!

    overhead view of the best meatloaf cut into slices on a serving platter

    We love meatloaf in our house, and this  is the best meatloaf recipe ever! It’s tender, moist and flavorful with the most delicious glaze.

    This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic that your whole family will love! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make meatloaf!

    front view of two slices of the Best Meatloaf on a plate with beans and mashed potatoes

    Meatloaf Recipe: Ingredients & substitutions 

    Let's discuss the ingredients in this meatloaf recipe, as well as possible substitutions. 

    • Ground beef. Ground turkey can be use for all or half of the ground beef for a leaner version. 
    • Bread Crumbs. I explain how to make your own breadcrumbs (so easy) in the recipe, you can substitute quick-cooking oats for the breadcrumbs but it will slightly effect the texture. 
    • Onion. any onion variety works well, sweet onions, red, yellow, white, etc. 
    • Milk. We use whole milk, but any variety works well. The higher the fat content the better. Half and half and heavy cream can be used too. 
    • BBQ Sauce. Choose your favorite variety. We love using a bold and slightly sweet sauce. 
    • Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have any Worcestershire sauce on hand, simply increase the barbecue sauce by 2 TBS. 
    • Minced garlic. freshly roasted and crushed garlic can be used in place of store-bought minced garlic. You can also substitute 1 tsp garlic powder for 1 TBS minced garlic. 
    • Light brown sugar. dark brown sugar can be used in place of light. 
    overhead photo of the ingredients in this Best Meatloaf Recipe

    How to make Meatloaf

    Let's walk through the steps together as I show you how to make meatloaf, and don't forget to watch the video!

    Make the glaze topping

    The first step in this meatloaf recipe (after preheating the oven, of course), is making the glaze. It's good to make it and set it aside so it's ready to go when needed. It's easy to make, just whisk the ingredients together and set it aside to use later. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Meatloaf

    Combine wet ingredients

    Next, to ensure even distribution throughout the ground beef mixture, whisk together the wet ingredients in a large bowl. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Meatloaf

    Add remaining ingredients

    Once the wet mixture is smooth, add the meat, onions and bread crumbs and stir until combined.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Meatloaf

    Prepare a metal rack

    Line a wire rack with aluminum foil and poke holes in it, then place it on a large baking sheet. I far prefer to bake my meatloaf this way (rather than in a loaf pan). Baking it on a wire rack with holes in it allows the fat to drain off (instead of getting trapped in the loaf pan). It also means there is more of an outer surface area for the sauce to stick to, which is the best part! 

    Form the  Meatloaf

    Form the meatloaf mixture into a large loaf - about 10” by 5” by 2" and place it in the center of the wire rack.

    Bake

    Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes until the top starts looking slightly browned and set. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Meatloaf

    Add the glaze & bake/broil

    After 40  minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the glaze on top and bake for 10 more minutes or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

    If necessary, broil for the 2-4 minutes to caramelize the top. I love doing this because it makes the top nice and crisp. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Meatloaf

    Let cool & Serve

    Let this easy meatloaf recipe cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting and serving. 

    Serving suggestions

    This best meatloaf recipe deserves to be served with the best sides! Here are some of our favorites: 

    • Mashed potatoes. these herby, garlicky mashed potatoes are the best ever. 
    • Serve with a side of these crispy oven roasted potatoes!
    • Green beans. a side of these roasted green beans or these sautéed green beans pair perfectly with this easy meatloaf recipe. 
    • Roasted vegetables. I adore roasted vegetables, try any of these: roasted broccoli, roasted carrots, balsamic roasted vegetables, balsamic roasted Brussel sprouts, and roasted Brussel sprouts with bacon. 
    • Salad. A side salad pairs perfectly with this best meatloaf recipe. Try this burrata salad, Brussel sprout salad, quinoa salad or this coleslaw!
    • Bread. fresh, warm homemade bread is a perfect side dish to this easy meatloaf. try this no knead bread, homemade dinner rolls, pretzel bread, and this amazing cornbread. 

    How to store meatloaf

    Store this meatloaf recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

    front view of slices of the Best Meatloaf Recipe on a platter

    FAQs about Meatloaf

    How do you make meatloaf not dry?

    In this recipe, milk, BBQ sauce and egg adds moisture to the meatloaf so it is not dry. Also, make sure to use a thermometer to test for doneness to avoid over-baking (and thus, drying out) the meatloaf.

    Can you freeze meatloaf? 

    Yes! I recommend freezing this meatloaf recipe in individual slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, remove from the freezer and warm in the microwave or covered in the oven. 

    What does milk do in meatloaf?

    The milk acts as a binding agent along with the eggs. It soaks into the breadcrumbs and keeps the loaf held together and moist.

    Should I cover meatloaf when baking?

    In this recipe the meatloaf is baked uncovered to brown and crisp the outside.

    What is the best binder for meatloaf?

    A combination of eggs and bread crumbs/milk.

    two slices of meatloaf on a plate with a fork taking a bite

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Best Meatloaf Recipe

    Best Meatloaf Recipe

    Laura
    This is the best meatloaf recipe ever! It’s tender, moist and flavorful with the most delicious glaze. This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic that your whole family will love! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make meatloaf!
    5 from 97 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 Servings
    Calories 273 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • glass batter bowl
    • baking sheet
    • roasting wire rack

    Ingredients
     
     

    Meatloaf

    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • ¼ cup bread crumbs (1 slice of bread made into bread crumbs)
    • ½ cup onion finely diced
    • ¼ cup whole milk
    • ½ cup barbecue sauce
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 TBS minced garlic
    • 1 tsp fine sea salt
    • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

    Topping:

    • ½ cup ketchup
    • ¼ cup light brown sugar
    • 2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (175°C).

    Make the topping:

    • Combine ketchup brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl, set aside.

    Make the Meatloaf

    • In a large bowl whisk together milk, BBQ sauce, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper.
    • Add meat, onions and bread crumbs and stir until combined.
    • Line a wire rack with aluminum foil and poke holes in it, then place it on a large baking sheet
    • Form the mixture into a large loaf (about 10” by 5” by 2”)
    • Bake for 40 minutes.
    • Remove from oven, spread sauce on top and bake for 10 more minutes or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
    • If necessary, broil for the 2-4 minutes to caramelize the top.
    • Remove from oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    To make your own bread crumbs:

    Tear apart 1 slice of bread. Place it on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes until toasted. Place in a blender or food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Use in recipe.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Ground beef. Ground turkey can be use for all or half of the ground beef for a leaner version. 
    • Bread Crumbs.You can substitute quick-cooking oats for the breadcrumbs but it will slightly effect the texture. 
    • Onion. any onion variety works well, sweet onions, red, yellow, white, etc. 
    • Milk. We use whole milk, but any variety works well. The higher the fat content the better. Half and half and heavy cream can be used too. 
    • BBQ Sauce. Choose your favorite variety. We love using a bold and slightly sweet sauce. 
    • Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have any Worcestershire sauce on hand, simply increase the barbecue sauce by 2 TBS. 
    • Minced garlic. freshly roasted and crushed garlic can be used in place of store-bought minced garlic. You can also substitute 1 tsp garlic powder for 1 TBS minced garlic. 
    • Light brown sugar. dark brown sugar can be used in place of light. 

    How to store meatloaf

    Store this meatloaf recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

    To freeze: 

    I recommend freezing this meatloaf recipe in individual slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, remove from the freezer and warm in the microwave or covered in the oven. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sliceCalories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 15gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 544mgPotassium: 351mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 126IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    The photos in this post were taken by Jamie from Dishing Out Health! 

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Celeste Pfeiffer

      March 21, 2023 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      I am not a huge meatloaf person but tried this out because my husband loves meatloaf. It was DELICIOUS I was pleasantly surprised this is one of my favorite dishes!

      Reply
      • Laura

        March 22, 2023 at 7:25 am

        Thank you so much Celeste!

        Reply
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    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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