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!
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Classic 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
- Category: main meal
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
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.
Keywords: best 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.
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
Jac
Have given this recipe to my mum and she loved it! She’s not tech savvy so didn’t want to find a recipe on the web herself! She had always wanted to attempt a meatloaf and said this recipe was easy to follow 🙂
★★★★★
Dannii
I love meatloaf. Such delicious comfort food and yours looks amazing.
★★★★★
Anaiah
I love making this meatloaf recipe. It’s so delicious and easy to make. The tomato glaze was perfect!
★★★★★
Rhonda Albom
I love this meatloaf. It is a favorite winter comfort food for me.
★★★★★
Sue
omg I haven’t even had breakfast and this post has got me craving meatloaf! I’m also going to try your grilled meatloaf sandwich ~ yum!!
★★★★★
Katherine Hackworthy
This is the perfect classic meatloaf!
★★★★★
Lauren
Such a simple and delicious meal. Will definitely make again!
★★★★★
Jac
Baked this for my parents and they loved the tomato sauce on top. As we are in the UK they had never tried meatloaf before so they enjoyed the novelty. And they asked for the recipe!
★★★★★
Claire
Yummy! I am so excited to try this!
★★★★★
Claire
My mom saw this recipe and honestly, she’s been bugging me all day to try this with her. Good thing I didn’t refused because this is SO good! Highly recommended!
★★★★★
Caitlyn
Meatloaf is such a classic dinner recipe and yours looks incredible. Thanks for a simple and crowd pleasing recipe!
★★★★★
AISilva
We haven’t made much meatloaf in my family, but this meatloaf looks so good and flavorful. My kids would love it too. Thank you!
★★★★★
Serena
Such a classic and the recipe is so simple! The family loves it.
★★★★★
Amanda Dixon
This meatloaf came out perfectly! I love the flavor the Italian spices added. Meatloaf is one of my husband’s favorite meals, and he was so happy with it, which means a lot!
★★★★★
Hanna
We tried your variation for an apricot glaze. It was sooooo good!
★★★★★
Allison
The whole family loved it. Thanks for a delicious recipe!
★★★★★
Angela
Meatloaf if definitely a comfort food for me. I really enjoyed this recipe and the glaze on the top.
★★★★★
Claudia
This was delicious it’s the only meatloaf recipe we’ve ever enjoyed~
★★★★★
Katie C
I don’t make meatloaf often, but my dad loves it. I made it a few weeks ago for him and forgot how delicious it is. This classic meatloaf recipe is definitely one I’ll have to try next!
Mirlene
I cannot wait to make this dish. i am absolutely adding this to my menu for Sunday.
★★★★★
Jeri
This meatloaf turned out amazing! It was not dried out at all, and the sauce was delicious! Thanks for the great recipe! I will definitely be making this again!
★★★★★
Michelle
This was such a delicious recipe that brought back childhood memories! Love having the leftovers in sandwiches! Yum!
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
Meatloaf is one of my all-time favourite comfort foods. This recipe was fantastic!
★★★★★
Liz
My dad was looking for a classic meatloaf recipe (he didn’t want anything “weird” haha) and this recipe is perfect! Thanks!
★★★★★
Catalina
Such a great idea for Sunday dinner! My family will love it!
★★★★★
Beti
Such a fantastic Meatloaf! I love the sauce!
★★★★★
katerina
My favorite comfort food! This Meatloaf looks AMAZING!
★★★★★
Biana
Yum! This meatloaf looks amazing. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes is the perfect dinner.
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
This turned out fantastic for dinner! Thanks for the easy recipe!
★★★★★
Amanda Livesay
This is the best classic meatloaf recipe! Total comfort food.
★★★★★
Erin
This was the best meatloaf recipe I ever tried. Thanks so much for sharing!
★★★★★
Vikki
This meatloaf is so amazing! I love the tasty sauce
★★★★★