Classic Meatloaf

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Jan 21, 2024

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The best meatloaf is easy to make from simple, everyday ingredients. Ground beef is mixed with onion, herbs, and savory flavors, then topped with the tastiest glaze that goes beyond just ketchup. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a cozy, comforting dinner the whole family will love.

Sliced meatloaf on a platter. — Photo: Gayle McLeod

What Makes This Meatloaf Special

When I’m craving something meaty and comforting that’s not meatballs, chili or Shepherd’s pie, this classic meatloaf always hits the spot. It’s moist, filling, hearty, and just like my mom used to make. Here’s why it’s the recipe I come back to again and again:

It’s got the best texture: It’s sturdy enough to help hold its shape, while still being juicy and tender. So many meatloaf recipes are overly dense and compacted, but not this one.
It’s more flavorful than you think: And that’s thanks to herbs and Worcestershire sauce! Not only does Worcestershire sauce enhance the meatiness, but it also adds a layered umami flavor that ketchup doesn’t have on it’s own. That’s why it’s also added to the glaze!
It’s naturally gluten-free: While some folks use breadcrumbs in their meatloaf, I prefer quick-cooking oats. They have a similar texture, will keep the meatloaf moist, are a pantry staple, and are naturally gluten-free. A win all around!
It’s a budget-friendly dinner idea: Meatloaf was popularized as a way to “stretch” a package of ground beef. Because if you mixed it with vegetables and herbs you could feed more people! And good news – leftovers can be turned into unique meals throughout the week (I’ve got a few ideas below).

Easy Meatloaf Ingredients

Ground Beef: I use 85% ground beef in this recipe so it’s moist and juicy, but you can use any leanness you prefer. I also like to buy freshly ground meat from the butcher for the best texture. Packaged ground beef tends to be more compacted, which can cause you to overwork the mixing of the meat (and you don’t want to do that).
Quick-Cooking Oats: Although you can use breadcrumbs, quick-cooking oats are a great gluten-free option. Rolled oats work as well, though they’ll have a more noticeable texture. Just don’t try steel cut oats as they don’t cook properly and will be too hard to chomp down on. And just remember that you can use any leftover oats to make oatmeal in the mornings!
Other Filling Ingredients: You’ll need onion, garlic, eggs, milk (dairy or dairy-free), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. These items add tons of flavor and oomph to the recipe.
Meatloaf glaze: A simple mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and granulated sugar are all you need for this ultra-flavorful glaze. It’s a little bit savory, and a little bit sweet! I’m also using coconut sugar, though brown sugar is commonly used as well.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How To Make Meatloaf

Before we get started, let’s chat about the cooking equipment needed. You’ll need either a 9×5-inch loaf pan or rimmed baking sheet (or casserole dish). While a traditional meatloaf is often made in a loaf pan, I prefer to free-form the meatloaf in a casserole dish. It means there’s more surface area for the glaze! And that means more flavor in every bite.

Combine ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oats, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined, just don’t over-mix! Otherwise, you’ll end up with a very dense loaf.

Form the loaf. If using a casserole pan or rimmed baking sheet, form the mixture into an approximate 9×5-inch loaf. Alternatively, you can add the mixture to a loaf pan.

Coat with the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Brush it all over the top and sides of the meatloaf.

Cook. Place the meatloaf in the oven and cook for 50 to 60 minutes or until the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C).

Slice and serve. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice it up and serve it with mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies such as broccoli (or broccolini!) Note: If the meatloaf does not rest long enough after it’s baked, it can fall apart when you try to slice it.

Common Questions

Can I halve the recipe with one pound of ground beef?

If you’re using one pound of ground beef, halve the rest of the ingredients without any other adjustments, and it should work just fine. But I recommend checking the internal temperature much sooner to see if it’s fully cooked.

Can I use other types of ground meat?

You sure can! Ground pork is another delicious option, especially when you use half pork and half beef. If using ground turkey, just be aware that it’ll be lighter in flavor, but still delicious.

Why is my meatloaf taking longer to cook?

All ovens heat differently, so try bumping up the temperature next time you make this. And remember to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook it.

Ways To Enjoy Leftover Meatloaf

With a variety of sides: I also love mashed sweet potato and mashed cauliflower (for a lighter option), as well as sauteed spinach, coleslaw, and creamed corn.
Make a meatloaf wrap or sandwich: Whether using bread or lettuce leaves, a slice of meatloaf is the perfect “patty” to make a sandwich.
Crumble into a stir fry: If I’m stir-frying vegetables and want to add ground beef, crumbled meatloaf is so easy! Just break it up with your hands (or spatula) and mix it into any stir-fry.
Make a bolognese sauce: Crumble the meatloaf into finer pieces to make a quick and easy bolognese sauce, like in my zucchini noodle bolognese.

Sliced meatloaf with broccolini and mashed potatoes.

More Ground Beef Recipes

Stuffed Peppers: A family favorite classic that can also be made into stuffed pepper soup.
Taco Soup: Everything you want in a taco but in a warming, flavorful soup.
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry: The easiest weeknight dinner with Mediterranean flair.

I hope you love this meatloaf recipe that comes from the heart of my childhood (thanks mom!). If you make it, don’t forget to write a comment below on how it turned out. Your review will help other readers in the community!

About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.