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Delicious sliced meatloaf with glossy sauce and fresh herbs on a rustic wooden board, ready to serve.

The Best Classic Homemade Meatloaf

This moist and flavorful homemade meatloaf recipe is a true family favorite, complete with a tangy-sweet glaze. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or comfort food cravings — with tender beef, a savory blend of spices, and minimal fuss.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 440
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.75 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 0.33 cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 0.75 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1.5 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • medium skillet
  • rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or foil
  • instant-read thermometer for checking doneness

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Sauté chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, cooked onion, eggs, garlic, ketchup, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, seasoning, and pepper. Gently combine without overmixing.
  4. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf (about 8x4 inches) on the baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes uncovered.
  5. While baking, mix ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder to make glaze.
  6. After 40 minutes, spread glaze over the meatloaf. Return to oven for 20 minutes more, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
  7. Let meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Use 80/20 or 85/15 beef for ideal moisture. Swap Panko for crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Substitute dairy-free milk if needed. Don’t skip resting time — it locks in juiciness and helps slice cleanly. Bacon-wrapped or cheese-filled variations are delicious too!