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Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

5.1 from 13 reviews

This Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe delivers a classic, hearty dish made from a perfect blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and flavorful seasonings, topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal ideal for family dinners and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds 80%-90% ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, or 1 pound ground pork and 1 pound ground beef)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup beef broth (or milk)
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 23 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Glaze

  • ⅔ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (you can mix half ketchup and half BBQ sauce)
  • 23 Tablespoons light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or 9×5-inch loaf pan with foil and lightly spray it with non-stick spray. This will help ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beef broth, whisked eggs, fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix these ingredients gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat which can make the loaf dense.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: Press the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the lined baking sheet. Make sure it’s compact but not too tightly packed to maintain tenderness.
  4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and/or BBQ sauce with light brown sugar until well blended. Spread or pour this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Optionally, sprinkle a little black pepper on top.
  5. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) as measured by a meat thermometer. This ensures the meatloaf is cooked safely and remains juicy.
  6. Rest before Serving: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making for moist slices when you cut the loaf.

Notes

  • Ground beef with 80%-90% lean meat gives a good balance of flavor and juiciness; leaner meat can result in a drier meatloaf.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or use a mix of pork and beef for different flavors and textures.
  • Do not overmix the ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety and optimal texture.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
  • Glaze choices can be customized with BBQ sauce or ketchup depending on your taste preference.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, homemade meatloaf, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy meatloaf, classic meatloaf