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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Vikki
This meatloaf is so amazing! I love the tasty sauce
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert
This Baked Meatloaf Recipe is looks incredibly delicious!
★★★★★
Amanda Livesay
This is the best classic meatloaf recipe! Total comfort food.
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
This turned out fantastic for dinner! Thanks for the easy recipe!
★★★★★
Biana
Yum! This meatloaf looks amazing. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes is the perfect dinner.
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
My favorite comfort food! This Meatloaf looks AMAZING!
★★★★★
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
Such a fantastic Meatloaf! I love the sauce!
★★★★★
Catalina
Such a great idea for Sunday dinner! My family will love it!
★★★★★
Liz
My dad was looking for a classic meatloaf recipe (he didn’t want anything “weird” haha) and this recipe is perfect! Thanks!
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
Meatloaf is one of my all-time favourite comfort foods. This recipe was fantastic!
★★★★★
Michelle
This was such a delicious recipe that brought back childhood memories! Love having the leftovers in sandwiches! Yum!
★★★★★
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!
★★★★★
Mirlene
I cannot wait to make this dish. i am absolutely adding this to my menu for Sunday.
★★★★★
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!
Claudia Lamascolo
This was delicious it’s the only meatloaf recipe we’ve ever enjoyed~
★★★★★
Angela
Meatloaf if definitely a comfort food for me. I really enjoyed this recipe and the glaze on the top.
★★★★★
Allison
The whole family loved it. Thanks for a delicious recipe!
★★★★★
Hanna
We tried your variation for an apricot glaze. It was sooooo good!
★★★★★
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!
★★★★★
Serena
Such a classic and the recipe is so simple! The family loves it.
★★★★★
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!
★★★★★
Caitlyn Erhardt
Meatloaf is such a classic dinner recipe and yours looks incredible. Thanks for a simple and crowd pleasing recipe!
★★★★★
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!
★★★★★