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Sliced meatloaf served on a white platter with caramelized glaze and fresh parsley garnish

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe is incredibly juicy, packed with flavor, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It is the ultimate comfort food, easy to make and satisfying for the whole family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 338
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Ground Beef 85% or 80% lean
  • 1 Medium Onion finely chopped, about 1 cup
  • 1 tsp Olive Oil
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Parsley finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs or gluten free breadcrumbs or gluten free breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup Milk
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste or to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup Ketchup
  • 11/2 tsp White Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

Equipment

  • 1 Rimmed Baking Sheet Line with parchment paper or foil
  • 1 Medium Skillet For sauteing the onion
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining the meatloaf mixture
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl For making the glaze
  • 1 Instant Read Thermometer To check doneness accurately

Method
 

  1. Prep – Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup, and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Saute Onions – Set a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and chopped onion and saute, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture – In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix just until well combined. Your hands are your best tool for mixing, put on disposable gloves if you want to.
  4. Shape Meatloaf and Bake – Add the meat to the pan and shape it into a meatloaf about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes.
  5. Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, add the sauce ingredients and stir to combine.
  6. Add the Glaze – Spread the sauce over the meatloaf, then return to the oven and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. Rest the meatloaf for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, it will be much easier to slice.

Notes

You can replace half the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage, just note that poultry must be baked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Do not overmix the meat mixture, mixing until just combined keeps the meatloaf tender instead of dense. To bake in a loaf pan instead of free form, line the pan with parchment paper, gently press in the mixture, and increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F since it will take longer to cook through.