Jennifer Cooking

  • Chicken
  • Desserts
  • Casserole
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Chicken
  • Desserts
  • Casserole
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
search icon
Homepage link
  • Chicken
  • Desserts
  • Casserole
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
×

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Published: Mar 14, 2025 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring!

  • Share On Facebook
  • Share On X
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Savor the Ultimate Comfort Food: The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Dive into the world of comfort cooking with this incredible meatloaf recipe that promises to deliver the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Just like our creamy chicken stroganoff, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this meatloaf recipe stands out as a reliable favorite. The combination of carefully selected ingredients and proper technique ensures a perfectly moist and flavorful result every time.

Transform your everyday dinner into an extraordinary meal with this foolproof recipe. Looking for more comfort food inspiration? Our loaded chicken and potato casserole is another family favorite worth trying.

The Best Meatloaf Recipe: A Classic Reimagined

This meatloaf recipe takes the traditional comfort food to new heights with a perfect balance of seasonings and a special cooking method. The result is a juicy, tender meatloaf that's miles ahead of the often-dry versions you might remember from childhood. For another classic reimagined, check out our amazing forgotten chicken.

The secret lies in the careful preparation and the perfect blend of ingredients that work together to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. Every bite delivers the savory goodness you crave, making this recipe a true kitchen essential.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf:

  1. Temperature Matters: Allow your ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing for even cooking and better binding.
  2. Gentle Mixing: Handle the meat mixture with a light touch to prevent compacting, which can result in a dense texture.
  3. Even Shape: Form your loaf with consistent thickness throughout to ensure uniform cooking.
  4. Rest Time: Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to retain its juices and make slicing easier.
  5. Glaze Application: Apply the glaze in layers for the perfect caramelization, similar to our BBQ chicken quesadilla technique.
The Best Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Meatloaf Recipe Details:

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time: 50 minutes
  • Resting time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Equipment: Baking sheet, frying pan, mixing bowls

If you enjoy hearty main dishes, you'll also love our cream of mushroom chicken recipe.

Ingredients:

  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Meatloaf Sauce:

  • ½ cup chili sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Sauté onions in butter over medium-low heat until tender and translucent. Set aside to cool completely.
  3. Create the Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Allow this mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Mix the Meat: Combine ground beef, cooled onions, 1 tablespoon ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper with the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined.
  5. Shape and Bake: Form an 8"x4" loaf on the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes.
  6. Glaze and Finish: Combine sauce ingredients and spread over the meatloaf. Continue baking for 15-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its juiciness.

Ready to Enjoy!

This meatloaf recipe delivers the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it an instant family favorite. The careful balance of seasonings and proper cooking technique ensures a moist, flavorful result every time.

Print

📖 Recipe

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
The Best Meatloaf Recipe

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

If you enjoy hearty main dishes, you'll also love our cream of mushroom chicken recipe.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Meatloaf Sauce:

 

  • ½ cup chili sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
  • Cook the Aromatics: Sauté onions in butter over medium-low heat until tender and translucent. Set aside to cool completely.
  • Create the Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Allow this mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes.
  • Mix the Meat: Combine ground beef, cooled onions, 1 tablespoon ketchup, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper with the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Shape and Bake: Form an 8"x4" loaf on the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes.
  • Glaze and Finish: Combine sauce ingredients and spread over the meatloaf. Continue baking for 15-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

 

  • Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its juiciness.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
The Best Meatloaf RecipeThe Best Meatloaf Recipe
Tweet
Pin
Share

More Dinner

  • Pizza Monkey Bread
    Pizza Monkey Bread
  • Pork Chop Supreme
    Pork Chop Supreme
  • Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
    Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
  • Best Turkey Meatloaf
    Best Turkey Meatloaf

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Welcome!

Here, you'll discover easy, tasty recipes that everyone loves, along with tips and tricks to simplify your life and add some fun!

More about me

Popular

  • Crock Pot Cubed Steak
    Crock Pot Cubed Steak
  • Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
  • Mexican Shredded Chicken
    Mexican Shredded Chicken
  • Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
    Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Seasonal

  • Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Potatoes
    Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Potatoes
  • Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
    Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Crockpot BBQ Ribs
    Crockpot BBQ Ribs
  • Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheese Tortellini
    Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheese Tortellini

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • About Me

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Jennifer Cooking