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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Sara Welch
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 Erhardt
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!
★★★★★