This delicious classic Baked Meatloaf Recipe is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, Italian spices, and coated with a sweet tomato glaze. Then this moist loaf is baked to juicy perfection. The end result is the ultimate family comfort food meal. For over the top accolades serve with mashed potatoes and Southern Green Beans.
My family absolutely loves this meatloaf and I always get rave reviews from friends. There are just so many great sides that go with it that you really just can not go wrong. Although it is always a challenge to save part of it for grilled meatloaf sandwiches.
How to make Classic Baked Meatloaf
First in a large bowl mix together the ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, barbecue sauce, parsley, marjoram, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and milk. Then in a large casserole dish gently shape the mixture into a loaf. Now place the meatloaf in a preheated oven. Next whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Cook low and slow basting the meatloaf with the sauce after 20 minutes and every 15 minutes after that. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Recipes notes and helpful tips for Meatloaf Recipe
- You might be tempted to use a lean ground beef but that makes for a dry meatloaf. Use ground beef with at least a 15% fat content.
- Be gentle when mixing the meatloaf and do not overmix. Gently shape the mixture into a loaf.
- Don’t skip the glaze as it really helps lock in the moisture.
- Cook low and slow. Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour 20 minutes or when an internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
- After removing the meatloaf from the oven let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Recipe variations
- Meat – mix it up with ground pork, sausage or turkey. Or better yet make a mixture of the different ground meats.
- Cheese – add shredded or cubed mozzarella, cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack
- Glaze – change up the glaze by adding apricot jam, balsamic vinegar, or barbecue sauce.
- Get really creative – top with a garlic butter sauce, rich brown gravy, country gravy, or onion straws.
More ground beef recipes you will love!
- Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Easy Hamburger Stew
- Salisbury Steak
- Easy Nebraska Runzas
- Homemade Sloppy Joes
Classic Baked Meatloaf Recipe
A simple yet delicious moist classic baked meatloaf recipe with onions, garlic, and a mouthwatering sweet and tangy tomato glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: main meal
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatloaf Recipe
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon marjoram (or oregano)
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
Glaze
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- In a large bowl gently mix together ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, barbecue sauce, parsley, marjoram, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and milk.
- In a large casserole dish gently shape the mixture into a loaf.
- Whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Baste with the glaze after 20 minutes and every 15 minutes thereafter. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You might be tempted to use a lean ground beef but that makes for a dry meatloaf. Use ground beef with at least a 15% fat content.
- Be gentle when mixing the meatloaf and do not overmix. Gently shape the mixture into a loaf.
- Don’t skip the glaze as it really helps lock in the moisture.
- Cook low and slow. Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour 20 minutes or when an internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
- After removing the meatloaf from the oven let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Keywords: beat meatloaf recipe, easy meatloaf, meatloaf sauce, meatloaf temperature, how long to cook meatloaf
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Brian Fergusson
Thanks once again for an excellent recipe.
Tweaks: Used 1 pound lean ground beef and 10 ounces of ground pork (left over from portioning a large package). Increased (President’s Choice Smokin’ Habanero) barbecue sauce to 4 tbsp (1/4 cup). Baked it in an 8″x8″ glass cake pan.
I rarely use ketchup, so next time I’ll switch out some of the ketchup in the glaze for some barbecue sauce.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Brian! So glad that you liked it! I love meatloaf!
Chenée
I love this meatloaf recipe! it came together so easily and there were NO leftovers!
★★★★★
Em
This meatloaf recipe is so good! My husband is always requesting meatloaf and this is his favorite recipe yet!
★★★★★
Heather Perine
Ooh this reminds me of the meatloaf my mom made growing up! Except with a much tastier glaze. Can’t wait to try!
★★★★★
Cathleen
Meatloaf is one of my favourite things to make, so I am definitely going to give this recipe a go. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Tara
Oh yum! Such a comforting meal! All the flavors in this meatloaf sound incredible. Definitely perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes.
★★★★★