There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly baked meatloaf. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, evoking memories of home-cooked meals, family dinners, and second helpings. With its hearty texture and savory flavor, meatloaf remains a staple in kitchens around the world—and for good reason.
This classic meatloaf recipe combines flavorful ground beef, aromatic vegetables, pantry spices, and just the right amount of moisture to deliver a dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal, hosting guests, or cooking for a potluck, this meatloaf never disappoints.
Let’s walk through how to make this timeless comfort food from scratch, with some simple variations and pro tips to help you perfect it every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create a flavorful and juicy meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
This combination of vegetables and seasonings ensures that your meatloaf has great depth of flavor and stays moist while baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven ensures even cooking and helps your meatloaf develop a beautiful crust on top.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery. These vegetables not only add flavor but also help retain moisture in the meat.
Next, crack in the eggs, pour in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, and add the Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overwork the meat—mix just until everything is evenly combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense meatloaf.
Shape and Transfer to a Loaf Pan
Lightly grease a standard loaf pan. Transfer the meat mixture into the pan, pressing it gently into a loaf shape. If you don’t have a loaf pan, shape it by hand on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Pat the top flat to help it cook evenly. For a firmer texture and a nice browned crust, you can also bake it freeform on a lined tray.
Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), and the top is golden and slightly caramelized.
If using a glaze or topping, brush it over the meatloaf during the final 15–20 minutes of baking.
Let It Rest Before Slicing
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and enhancing its flavor.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is always a winner, you can easily tailor your meatloaf to suit different preferences or occasions.
BBQ Glazed Meatloaf
Skip the ketchup in the mix and instead make a glaze by combining ¼ cup BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Brush this mixture over the meatloaf before baking, and baste every 15 minutes for a sticky, sweet finish.
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Wrap uncooked bacon strips around the shaped meatloaf before baking. As it cooks, the bacon crisps up and infuses the meat with smoky richness.
Cheesy Center Surprise
Add a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the center of your meat mixture before shaping the loaf. The result is a gooey, cheesy middle that adds fun and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Classic meatloaf pairs well with a variety of sides that bring balance and contrast:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy: The ultimate comfort food combo
- Steamed green beans or broccoli: Adds freshness and color
- Buttered corn or roasted carrots: For a touch of natural sweetness
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls: To mop up every bit of sauce or glaze
You can also serve cold meatloaf slices on sandwiches the next day for a satisfying lunch.
Tips for Perfect Meatloaf
- Use a beef/pork mix: If you want richer flavor and juicier texture, use half ground beef and half ground pork.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix just until everything comes together—too much mixing makes the meatloaf dense.
- Let it rest before slicing: Give it 10 minutes to settle so the juices don’t run out when you cut into it.
- Add moisture: Ingredients like ketchup, mustard, eggs, and vegetables help keep the loaf moist.
- Use parchment or foil: Lining your pan helps with cleanup and prevents sticking.
Leftovers and Storage
One of the best things about meatloaf is how well it keeps. It can be made ahead, reheated, or frozen for later.
- Refrigerate: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. It may be slightly drier, so consider adding extra grated vegetables or a bit of olive oil to keep it moist.
Can I make the meatloaf mixture ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the mixture, shape it, and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great make-ahead meal option.
How can I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?
Make sure to include binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs, and let the loaf rest after baking. Avoid slicing it while it’s still too hot.
What’s the best way to keep meatloaf from being dry?
Don’t overbake it, and be sure to include moisture-retaining ingredients like grated vegetables, ketchup, mustard, and eggs.
Can I experiment with seasonings?
Absolutely! Customize the flavor with additions like chili powder, paprika, parsley, cumin, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs.
Final Thoughts
Classic meatloaf is more than just a meal—it’s a nostalgic experience that brings people together around the dinner table. With its hearty flavor, simple ingredients, and endless versatility, this dish has earned its place as a beloved household favorite.
Whether you follow the classic recipe to the letter or branch out with your own twist, meatloaf is a forgiving and satisfying dish that rewards both novice and seasoned cooks. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, homemade meatloaf that delivers in both flavor and satisfaction.