September 22, 2023
Review PostRecipe for Meatloaf

Table of Contents
This recipe makes the tastiest meatloaf with a unique and delicious flavor while still delivering the traditional dish we all know and love. It’s so easy to make the sauce that goes with it, and it’s the perfect finishing touch to this hearty meal.

Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need:
For the Meatloaf
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Meat Loaf Recipe Substitutions and Additions
PROTEIN: When making this dish, you can swap out the lean hamburger for another type of ground meat if you’d like. Ground chicken meatloaf or ground turkey meatloaf are two other good options.
ONIONS: If you’re not a fan of onions or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute them with finely chopped celery or bell peppers. These alternatives will add a similar crunch and flavor to the meatloaf.
In addition, if you’re not a fan of onions, this meatloaf recipe can be made without onions.
HERBS AND SPICES: Feel free to customize the flavor profile of your meatloaf by adding different herbs and spices.
Try adding dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder to add a hint of heat.
KETCHUP: If you prefer to use a different sauce or don’t have ketchup on hand, you can substitute it with barbecue sauce or tomato sauce.
However, remember that this will give the meatloaf a slightly different flavor profile, so choose a sauce that complements your taste preferences.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Sauté the onion before mixing it into the beef mixture. Sautéing will release the onion’s flavors, making your meatloaf even more flavorful.
How to Make Meatloaf
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray.
STEP TWO: Place all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl.

STEP THREE: Mix with spoons or hands until fully combined.
PRO TIP:
While messy, mixing the raw meatloaf mixture with your hands is the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing will make the meatloaf dry and dense.
STEP FOUR: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a well-greased loaf pan.

STEP FIVE: Combine all of the ingredients for the sauce in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
STEP SIX: Pour half of the sauce over the top of the meatloaf.

STEP SEVEN: Place pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
STEP EIGHT: Remove the meatloaf pan from the oven and add the rest of the sauce. Then, return to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.

STEP NINE: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest a bit before slicing.
PRO TIP:
Letting the meatloaf rest is an important step in this delicious recipe. It makes the meatloaf easier to slice but also allows time to lock in the juices.
What to Serve With Meatloaf
Suggestion 1: Classic Comfort – Serve slices of meatloaf alongside green beans and mashed potatoes or dinner rolls for a comforting and nostalgic meal.
The rich and savory flavors of the meatloaf complement the creamy potatoes, while the freshness of the green beans adds a vibrant touch to the plate. Our blueberry cobbler would be a perfect end to this cozy meal.
Suggestion 2: Sandwich Sensation – Transform your meatloaf into a hearty sandwich by slicing it and placing it between two slices of crusty bread.
Add some tangy barbecue sauce, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes for a mouthwatering meatloaf sandwich that will satisfy any lunchtime craving.
Suggestion 3: Fresh and Crisp – Serve your meatloaf with a refreshing side salad consisting of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy ranch dressing.
The light and crisp flavors of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the savory meatloaf, while the vinaigrette adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall taste.
MORE BEEF RECIPES
For two more way to enjoy this classic comfort food, try our crockpot meatloaf and muffin pan meatloaf.
Both these meatloaf recipes are great options for potluck parties or gatherings with friends. They can be easily prepared in advance and reheated on-site.
How to Store This Meatloaf Recipe
Once you’ve made this delicious meatloaf recipe, you may find yourself with leftovers or wanting to prepare it ahead of time for convenience.
Here are some tips on how to store your meatloaf to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re looking to save time on a busy day, you can definitely make this meatloaf ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions until the point of baking. Instead of placing it in the oven, cover the meatloaf tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven and bake it according to the instructions. This way, you can have a hot and freshly baked meatloaf without all the prep work.
IN THE FRIDGE: To store your cooked meatloaf in the fridge, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any air from getting in. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
Your meatloaf can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave.
IN THE FREEZER: If you have more leftovers than you can finish within a few days, you can freeze your meatloaf for later. Allow the cooked meatloaf to cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can either bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes.
REHEATING: To reheat your meatloaf, there are a few methods you can choose from. If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatloaf on a baking sheet.
Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
If you’re short on time, you can also reheat individual slices in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Remember to always check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

This homemade meatloaf recipe is a classic home-style meal. Lean ground beef is mixed with a savory combination of seasonings and then topped off with a delicious tangy glaze.
You can’t go wrong with this simple traditional dinner for busy weeknights.
Maeatloaf FAQs
Dry meatloaf can be a result of overmixing. Only mix the meat until all the ingredients are combined. The other key to moist meatloaf is adding moisture at every step.
For best results, don’t skip adding any of the wet seasonings including the eggs, tomato paste, mustard, or Worcestershire. They add both flavor and texture, while also making the meat super juicy.
Lean meat is perfect for this easy meatloaf recipe. An 80/20 meat mixture is just right as you want a bit of fat for flavor but you don’t want your meatloaf swimming in grease.
The cooking time will depend on the amount of beef you are using. Make sure your meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
There are three components that help keep the meatloaf from falling apart. First, you will want to use ground beef with a high fat content as it helps to bind the ingredients together. Similarly, eggs also act as a binder. Finally, breadcrumbs or oatmeal will help absorb any excess moisture and hold the ingredients together.
Our recipe instructs you to bake your meatloaf uncovered and we find that adding the sauce partway through cooking will help keep your meatloaf moist while it is in the oven.
More Recipes You’ll Love

Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 pounds lean hamburger
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- Place all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl
- Mix with spoons or hands until fully combined.
- Shape into a loaf and place into a well-greased loaf pan
- Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a small saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour half of the sauce over the meatloaf.
- Place pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add the rest of the sauce. Then return to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest a bit before slicing.
Video
Notes
- Sauté the onion before mixing it into the beef mixture. Sautéing will release the onion’s flavors, making your meatloaf even more flavorful.
- While messy, mixing the raw meatloaf mixture with your hands is the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing will make the meatloaf dry and dense.
- Letting the meatloaf rest is an important step in this delicious recipe. It makes the meatloaf easier to slice but also allows time to lock in the juices.
Comments
Allyson Frazier says
This is the BEST meatloaf ever! I end up doubling the sauce because my family enjoys it so much.
Marisa says
Love this recipe! This is my go to meatloaf, I have made several times. Have you ever tried putting the the freezer to have later? If so any recommendations?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Marisa – so glad you’re enjoying it! You can definitely freeze it and reheat. My favorite way is to store the leftover slices in an air-tight freezer-safe container and then you can easily heat up portions to enjoy later. You can heat up in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. You can add a little liquid to your pan in the oven so it doesn’t dry out, like water or veggie stock. Enjoy!
HR says
Delicious. I’ve made this several times. Today I made a couple of additions to the sauce. First of all…I doubled it. With that in mind, I added 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1/2 tsp liquid smoke. Excellent smoky tang.
B says
Hi, is it possible to make without the egg? I have a kid with an egg allergy 😞
Layne Kangas says
Hey, there – you could probably use a flax egg! I haven’t personally tested it but I think that should work. Enjoy!
Marie says
Great recipe!! My take on it is 1lb hb & 1lb ground sweet Italian sausage. Didn’t have Dijon so used spicy brown & used chili sauce in place of tomato paste. Also used a BBQ sauce topping for convenience! Very satisfying! My go to from now on!!!♡♡♡
George Moy says
If you don’t have milk or you want to something else,let’s say sour cream (like I did)could you just use sour cream instead?Also,usually with the leftover I make spaghetti with the leftover meatloaf, but this time, I made fried rice using the leftover meatloaf and it came out really great and a meaty fried rice that you couldn’t find at any restaurant in town.
Ren says
I love this meatloaf recipe it’s the only one I make it’s the best!! Highly recommend it’s great with ground turkey or beef. I always double the sauce because it’s so good.
Terry C says
My go to recipe now. Had a really good one but this is the best! YUM.
Bekah says
I hate meatloaf except this one! The kids love the sauce and the husband is something of a meatloaf connoisseur and this is his fave. Thanks so much for the regular rotation recipe!
Teable says
What size loaf pan do you use for 2 lb
Meatloaf?
Layne Kangas says
Hello, this is a two-pound meatloaf recipe. We use a large loaf pan – 9 x 5 x 3. Enjoy!