Classic Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With a savory beef base, seasoned with garlic, onions, and spices, and a sweet and tangy glaze, this dish is an all-time favorite. The recipe is simple yet flavorful, with the perfect balance of moisture and richness. Whether served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a garden salad, this meatloaf is the perfect meal to bring families together. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable variations, it’s a meal that everyone will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for texture)

  • 1 large onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 eggs

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • ¼ cup ketchup + extra for glaze

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Glaze:

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp mustard (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic in the last 30 seconds and cook until fragrant. Let the mixture cool.

3. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture and mix gently to combine.

4. Shape and Glaze the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients and spread it evenly over the meatloaf.

5. Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve: Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 375 kcal

• Protein: 27g

• Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 6g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 480mg

The Savory Beef Base: A Perfect Combination of Ingredients

The heart of any great meatloaf is the meat mixture, and in this Classic Meatloaf, ground beef is the star. The 80/20 beef blend strikes the perfect balance between lean meat and fat, ensuring the meatloaf stays moist and flavorful without being too greasy. The fat in the beef helps keep the meatloaf tender while preventing it from drying out during cooking. If you prefer a leaner version, you can swap out the ground beef for a leaner cut or even ground turkey, though the texture and flavor may change slightly.

In addition to the beef, the meatloaf mixture includes breadcrumbs, which help bind the meat together while keeping it light and tender. Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent choice for texture, as they provide a light, airy consistency when cooked. Whole milk is added to help keep the meatloaf moist, while eggs serve as a binder, holding everything together.

The key to a great meatloaf is the seasoning, and this recipe includes a simple combination of garlic, onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. The garlic and onions are sautéed until softened and fragrant, allowing their flavors to meld together before being mixed into the meat mixture. The thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.

The Glaze: A Sweet and Tangy Finish

What truly elevates this Classic Meatloaf is the sweet and tangy glaze that is brushed over the meatloaf before baking. The glaze is made from a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard (optional), which creates a rich, sweet finish that perfectly complements the savory meat mixture. The ketchup provides a familiar, tangy flavor, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and depth. If you like a bit of heat or tang, you can adjust the mustard to suit your tastes, or even experiment with other types of mustard or hot sauce for a different flavor profile.

The glaze is spread over the top of the meatloaf before baking, allowing it to caramelize and form a deliciously sticky crust that contrasts nicely with the tender, juicy meat inside. This simple glaze not only adds flavor but also gives the meatloaf an appealing, glossy finish.

Preparing and Baking the Meatloaf

Once the meat mixture is ready, it’s time to shape and bake the meatloaf. Transfer the meat mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf shape. The loaf pan helps the meatloaf hold its shape during baking, ensuring that it cooks evenly and retains its moisture.

Next, mix the glaze ingredients and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf. The glaze will create a beautifully caramelized crust as the meatloaf bakes in the oven. Bake the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). The glaze will thicken and set, and the meatloaf will develop a golden brown color on top.

Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice flavorful and tender. After resting, slice the meatloaf and serve it with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Meatloaf is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a comforting and hearty meal, serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. The creamy potatoes complement the savory meatloaf, while the green beans add a nice crunch and freshness to balance the richness. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier main dish.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve the meatloaf with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables. The soft, fluffy bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze, and the roasted vegetables add a burst of flavor and color to your plate.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Classic Meatloaf provides approximately 375 calories, making it a reasonably balanced meal. The dish contains 27 grams of protein, making it a great source of lean protein to support muscle growth and repair. The 22 grams of fat, including 9 grams of saturated fat, contribute to the rich, juicy texture of the meatloaf. The carbohydrates in the meatloaf come primarily from the breadcrumbs and glaze, adding 10 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fiber per serving.

While it’s a bit higher in fat, the meatloaf is still a satisfying option when enjoyed in moderation. The 6 grams of sugar in the glaze contribute to the sweetness of the dish, but you can adjust the amount of sugar in the glaze to your liking. The meal also provides a good amount of cholesterol (90mg) and sodium (480mg), so be mindful of these values when serving it alongside salty sides or other high-sodium dishes.

Conclusion

Classic Meatloaf is the epitome of comfort food, offering a hearty, flavorful meal that satisfies the soul. With its savory beef base, seasoned with garlic and onions, and the sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is flexible enough to allow for different variations based on personal taste.

Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, Classic Meatloaf is the perfect dish to bring people together around the table. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it an enduring classic that never goes out of style.