This easy 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 tender juicy perfection. The end result is the ultimate family comfort food meal. For over the top meal with the best flavors 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, salt, 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
- 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. The same rules applies if using ground turkey or ground pork.
- Be gentle when mixing the meatloaf and do not overmix. Gently shape the mixture into a loaf.
- I like to shape it into a loaf in a large 9×13 casserole dish but you could also use a baking sheet or 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- 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. An Instant read meat thermometer is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
- After removing the meatloaf from the oven let it rest for 10-15 minutes covered loosely with an aluminum foil before cutting into slices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Meatloaf 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!
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Meatloaf Recipe
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped about 1 cup onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon marjoram or oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- 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, salt, 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.
Nutrition
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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.
Sara
Meatloaf is a classic recipe in my home and this recipe is no exception! Easy, hearty and always a hit; my whole family loved it!
Mahy
What a great meatloaf recipe – it makes my mouth water straight away!
Tavo
thank you. I found it really easy to make and delicious!
Alison
This is a classic delicious recipe with a sweet and tangy glaze!
Krystle
The glaze is just perfect! Our whole family enjoys this meal.
Natalie
This is one of our go-to Sunday meals!! My family loves, even the picky eaters. The meatloaf is tasty & great with any side!
April
Delicious! Took me right back to my childhood, tasted just like my mom’s!
Rachna
This recipe is smashing. I do love baked meatloaf and make it often in my air fryer. Thanks for sharing.