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The Best Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Meatloaf Recipe is a juicy, flavorful, and tender classic comfort food perfect for any weeknight dinner. Combining ground beef and pork with a mix of aromatic herbs, breadcrumbs, and a tangy tomato-based glaze, this easy-to-make recipe yields a moist and satisfying meatloaf that’s a guaranteed family favorite. Customizable and versatile, it’s ideal for meals and leftovers alike.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onions and garlic. Gather and measure all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to heat while you prepare the meatloaf mixture.
  2. Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined to avoid a dense meatloaf.
  3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a baking pan or lined sheet. Shape it into a compact loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide—firm enough to hold together but not too tight for tenderness.
  4. Prepare the Glaze and Apply: Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar until smooth. Brush half of this tangy glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
  5. Bake and Finish: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Then brush the remaining glaze over the top and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes. This caramelizes the glaze, creating a shiny, flavorful crust.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat to keep the loaf light and tender.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for doneness and juiciness.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture and prevent crumbling.
  • Customize the glaze by trying barbecue or honey mustard sauces for different flavors.
  • If needed, drain excess fat from the pan halfway through baking to avoid greasiness.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: meatloaf, comfort food, classic meatloaf, easy dinner, ground beef and pork, family favorite, homemade meatloaf, tomato glaze