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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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!