This meatloaf is easy, make-ahead friendly, and versatile. Everyone needs a great meatloaf recipe that they can count on, and this one does not disappoint. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. Meatloaf pairs well with just about any side dish. We love it with it with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and a side of Baked Asparagus, or Roasted Broccoli. If you’re looking for an all-American dinner, pair it with Coleslaw and Baked Potatoes.
Meatloaf Recipe
Say goodbye to dry and boring meatloaf! Your whole family will get excited about this meatloaf, which is surprisingly easy to make. Ground beef mixed with onion, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, fresh parsley, and seasonings produces an irresistibly tender and juicy meatloaf. This recipe has the best sweet and tangy glaze. Ketchup combined with brown sugar, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, and vinegar caramelizes in the oven and adds amazing flavor to this classic meatloaf recipe. Also, did you know meatloaf is perfect for meal prep? You can use leftover meatloaf for everything from tacos to pasta (see more ideas below).
Tips for the BEST Meatloaf
Whether you’ve been making meatloaf for years and want to improve your meatloaf game or it’s your first time, follow these tips to ensure you have a moist, juicy and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
DO NOT OVERMIX – This is the secret to keeping meatloaf moist! Overworking the meat mixture can result in a tough and dense meatloaf. Keep the juices from the pan and pour over the sliced meatloaf before serving. Chop the onion finely, allowing it to cook through (you can also sautee the onion before adding it). Gently press the meat into the pan, so it holds its shape but don’t pack it in tightly. Test for Doneness with a meat thermometer (it should reach an internal temperature of 160˚F). Rest meatloaf for 10-15 minutes before slicing for the juices to redistribute and for easier slicing.
How to Make Meatloaf
Prep – Line a 9”x5” metal loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal and preheat oven to 375°F. Make the Meatloaf –In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients and mix just until well combined (your hands are your best tool for mixing). Shape Meatloaf and Bake – Add meat to the loaf pan, gently press the meat down evenly to help it take shape and bake uncovered at 375˚F for 40 minutes. If you prefer to bake your meatloaf on a baking sheet, see the instructions below.
Can I bake Meatloaf on a baking sheet?
For crispier edges, you can bake meatloaf on a baking sheet. Using a sheet of aluminum foil, create a self-made pan with raised edges to contain the drippings from the meatloaf as it’s baked. Shape the meatloaf and place it into the prepared foil. NOTE: A meatloaf will bake faster on a baking sheet since the air circulates. Baking times can also vary, depending on the shape and thickness of the meatloaf, so test for doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
How do I know when Meatloaf is Done?
Different ovens and pans can affect the bake time. Here’s what to look for when your meatloaf is done cooking:
Temperature – The most reliable way to test for doneness is by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf. Remove it from the oven when it reaches 160˚F. Visual Cues – When the meatloaf is cooked, the top and edges will be browned and the meatloaf will pull away from the edges of the pan (as in the photo below).
What is the best type of meat for Meatloaf?
For this traditional meatloaf recipe, use ground beef that is 85% or 90% lean meat. Do not worry about using lean meat – the remaining ingredients will keep your meatloaf moist and juicy. Avoid super lean ground beef. You could also substitute half of the ground beef with turkey, pork, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Do I need to add Meatloaf Glaze?
Here me out – the glaze not only seals in the moisture in meatloaf, but it also adds tons of flavor to every bite. This meatloaf sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors and it caramelizes onto the meatloaf in the oven – SO GOOD! This glaze is similar to a BBQ sauce which you could substitute for the glaze.
What to Make with Leftover Meatloaf
If you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers, here are some leftover meatloaf ideas (and I’d love to hear your ideas in a comment below):
Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches Make Bolognese Sauce (add crumbled meat) Beef Tacos – just break up the meat – easy! Quick Beef Chili – stir, simmer and enjoy! Meatloaf Shepherd’s Pie – crumble meatloaf as the base Meatloaf Quesadillas – crumbled meatloaf with cheese Stuffed Peppers – crumble and stuff into peppers
This recipe was first published in 2019 and was an instant hit. I updated the instructions and tips to ensure you have perfectly cooked meatloaf every time. I think you’ll agree this is the best meatloaf recipe ever and I hope it lands on your regular dinner rotation.
Refrigerate Leftovers – Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Freezing raw meatloaf – Meatloaf can be frozen before cooking. Prepare meatloaf per instructions and shape in the loaf pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. Freezing cooked meatloaf – You can freeze individual slices in freezer-safe zip bags, then thaw and reheat in the oven or air fryer. To Thaw – Defrost the raw meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight, keeping it covered. Then, follow the baking instructions in the recipe. Add 5 minutes of baking time if cooking it directly from the refrigerator.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
I hope some of these easy dinner ideas become new favorites for you. They are simple, satisfying, and well-loved by everyone.
Chicken Fajitas BLT Sandwich Oven-Baked Salmon Turkey Chili Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Chicken Stuffed Shells Sloppy Joes
