Grandma’s Hearty Home-Style Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this incredible meatloaf recipe that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Tender, juicy, and packed with robust flavors, every bite delivers pure homestyle deliciousness.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, turning simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Rich ground beef blends seamlessly with herbs and spices, creating a symphony of taste that warms the soul.

the secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and treating them with care.

Each slice promises a hearty, satisfying experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family gathering.

Why This Meatloaf Recipe Gets Rave Reviews

• Dive into a recipe that requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. Simple techniques like sautéing onions and mixing ingredients make this meatloaf a breeze to prepare.
• Guaranteed to win hearts at family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. The rich, savory flavors and glossy glaze create an irresistible dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Adaptable recipe allows for personal twists with different sauces, seasonings, or meat blends. Swap ingredients, adjust spices, or add your favorite herbs to make this meatloaf uniquely yours.
• Excellent for make-ahead meals and leftovers. Stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making it a smart choice for busy households seeking delicious, convenient dinner solutions.

What You’ll Need For The Best Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the core of the meatloaf and provides rich, meaty flavor.

• Eggs, Milk: These ingredients help bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist.
• Breadcrumbs: They absorb liquid and help create a tender texture in the meatloaf.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the meat mixture.
• Butter: Used to sauté the onions and enhance their flavor.
• Ketchup, Chili Sauce: Provides tangy sweetness to the meatloaf.
• Italian Seasoning, Parsley: Herbs that add depth and brightness to the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat.

• Chili Sauce, Ketchup, Brown Sugar: Create a sweet and sticky glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf, adding a delicious finishing touch.

How To Make Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Gently melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat.

Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft, golden, and translucent.

This process takes about 5 minutes.

Let the onions cool completely before introducing them to the meat mixture to prevent premature cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.

Fold in breadcrumbs and allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes.

This crucial step ensures the breadcrumbs absorb liquid fully, guaranteeing a moist and tender meatloaf.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Cooled onions
• Soaked breadcrumbs
• Ketchup
• Italian seasoning
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Use your hands to mix ingredients, being careful not to overmix.

Stop as soon as everything is evenly distributed to maintain a tender texture.

Step 4: Mold and Initial Baking

Transfer the meat mixture to a prepared baking pan, shaping it into a classic loaf approximately 8 inches long.

Place in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 40 minutes.

Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Create and Apply Glaze

• Chili sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar

After 40 minutes, spread the glaze over the meatloaf’s surface.

Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

For a beautifully caramelized top, broil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Allow Resting Period

Patience is key!

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This waiting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent and perfectly textured.

Tips That Make Meatloaf Easy And Flavorful

• Soak breadcrumbs thoroughly in milk and eggs to lock in moisture, ensuring a tender and juicy final dish.
• Use hands to combine ingredients lightly, avoiding overmixing which can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Apply a sweet and tangy glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to create a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Allow the meatloaf to sit for 10 minutes after baking, helping juices redistribute and making each slice more succulent.

Proper Storage And Reheating For Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual meatloaf slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen meatloaf stays good for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Place meatloaf slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent moisture loss. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between rounds to avoid overcooking.

Best Side Dishes To Match With Meatloaf

Savor Complementary Flavors: Meatloaf Pairings

• Robust Red Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to match the rich, savory beef flavors and cut through the meatloaf's hearty texture.
• Creamy Potato Side Kick: Whip up smooth mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, creating a classic comfort food combination that absorbs the meatloaf's delicious glaze and adds creamy contrast.
• Fresh Veggie Balance: Prepare roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots to provide a light, crisp counterpoint to the dense meat, adding color and nutritional variety to the plate.
• Tangy Coleslaw Contrast: Mix a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to introduce a bright, acidic element that refreshes the palate between bites of the rich meatloaf.

Unique Twists On A Classic Meatloaf Recipe

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use tamari sauce instead of regular ketchup to ensure complete gluten-free compliance.
• Turkey Meatloaf Makeover: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option. Add extra herbs like sage and thyme to enhance the turkey's mild flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use a sugar-free ketchup alternative to maintain the signature glaze while keeping carbohydrates minimal.
• Vegetarian Transformation

FAQs

• Why do I need to soak breadcrumbs in milk and eggs?

Soaking breadcrumbs helps them absorb liquid, which keeps the meatloaf moist and prevents it from becoming dry and crumbly. This technique ensures a tender and juicy texture throughout the entire meatloaf.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or a mixture of different meats. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to maintain moisture and flavor in the meatloaf.

• How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The meatloaf is done when it reaches 160°F at the center. This ensures the meat is safely cooked while remaining juicy and flavorful.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can create your own blend using dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Use equal parts of each herb to replace the Italian seasoning in the recipe.

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering homemade meatloaf delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, packed with savory ground beef and classic seasonings. Rich flavors blend perfectly, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• 3/4 cup milk (180 milliliters)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon butter

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chili sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for sweetness)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize onions by melting butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté finely diced onions until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Allow onions to cool completely before incorporating into meat mixture.

1. Create breadcrumb mixture by whisking eggs and milk together in a medium bowl. Fold in breadcrumbs and allow to hydrate for 5-10 minutes, ensuring moisture absorption for a tender meatloaf.

1. Gently combine ground beef with cooled onions, moistened breadcrumbs, ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use hands to blend ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.

1. Mold meat mixture into a compact loaf shape within a prepared baking pan, aiming for dimensions around 8″x4″. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 40 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and meat to cook evenly.

1. Prepare glaze by blending chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. After initial baking, generously spread glaze over meatloaf surface. Return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes to create a caramelized exterior.

1. Remove meatloaf from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows internal juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful final result. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier, leaner protein options.
• Add finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and moisture without compromising texture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Create mini meatloaves in muffin tins for quicker cooking and perfect individual portions that are great for meal prepping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg