Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Best Meatloaf recipe, a dish that elevates the classic American dinner to new heights of flavor and tenderness. This meatloaf combines a blend of ground meat, herbs, and a perfect mix of seasonings, topped with a tangy, sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a recipe designed for those seeking the nostalgia of a home-cooked meal, with a few gourmet touches to make it stand out. Ideal for a hearty family dinner, this meatloaf is not just delicious; it’s a warm, inviting centerpiece that promises to bring everyone together around the dining table.
The journey to creating the Best Meatloaf began as a challenge to reinvent a traditional recipe that could often turn out too dry or lacking in flavor. After experimenting with various ingredients and cooking techniques, I finally struck the perfect balance that resulted in a moist, flavorful meatloaf, much to the delight of my skeptical family. The first time I served it, the room went silent, followed by sounds of satisfaction and requests for seconds.
This meatloaf recipe became a symbol of comfort and creativity in our home, a dish that could turn a simple meal into a special occasion. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder of the joy of cooking and the power of a good meal to make any day feel a little more extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf
- Moist and Flavorful: Say goodbye to dry meatloaf with this recipe that guarantees a juicy and tasty result every time.
- Perfect Glaze: The glaze is the star, offering a tangy contrast to the savory meat.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples for an easy yet impressive meal.
- Leftover Potential: Even better the next day, making for delicious sandwiches or a quick dinner option.
Ingredients Notes For the Best Meatloaf
- Ground Meat: A mix of ground beef and pork for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Breadcrumbs: Help to bind the meatloaf while keeping it moist.
- Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs, contributing to the meatloaf’s tender texture.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, holding the meatloaf together.
- Seasonings: Onion, garlic, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce add depth and richness.
- Glaze: A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a perfectly balanced topping that caramelizes as it bakes.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: Gently combine the ground meat with the soaked breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and seasonings until just mixed.
- Form the Loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet or place it in a loaf pan.
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix the glaze ingredients and spread half over the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake: Cook in the preheated oven, adding the rest of the glaze partway through baking.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to ensure it stays moist and holds together.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze slices for quick future meals. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
How to Make the Best Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- Ground beef: 1 1/2 lbs (lean, about 85% is ideal)
- Bread crumbs: 1 cup (plain or Italian seasoned)
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large, beaten
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
For the Glaze:
- Ketchup: 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
- Mustard (yellow or Dijon): 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar (apple cider or white): 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it, or use a loaf pan.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, soak the bread crumbs in milk for a few minutes. Add the beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add the ground beef to the mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf, or press the mixture into the loaf pan.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar until smooth.
- Bake:
- Spread about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Baste occasionally with the remaining glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
- Serve slices of meatloaf with the remaining glaze on the side or drizzled on top.
