Meatloaf Recipe

If there’s one classic comfort food that never fails to bring everyone to the table, it’s meatloaf. This is my go-to meatloaf recipe—moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. It’s everything you love about my Mini Meatloaf Recipe (you can find that one here), only in one big, family-sized loaf.

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Growing up, meatloaf night was always something special. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is pure nostalgia. And the secret to keeping it tender and juicy every time? Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk. Don’t skip that step—it’s the difference between dry meatloaf and melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

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Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf

• Classic comfort food with a perfectly balanced glaze
• Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have on hand
• Moist and tender every time—thanks to one simple trick
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday supper

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The Secret to a Moist Meatloaf

Here’s the trick: soak your breadcrumbs in milk before mixing everything together.
The milk softens and hydrates the crumbs, creating a tender texture that locks in moisture. Without this step, the breadcrumbs will soak up the meat’s natural juices, leaving you with a dense loaf. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while you sauté your onions—it’s a small step that makes a big difference.

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Soak the Breadcrumbs

In a small bowl, pour the milk over the breadcrumbs. Let them soak while you cook your onions.

3. Sauté the Onions

Cook the chopped onions in a skillet over medium heat until they’re soft and translucent. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

4. Mix the Meatloaf

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup or tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands—just until combined. Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough.

In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

5. Shape and Bake

Form the mixture into one large loaf and place it on a baking sheet or in a 9 x 13 baking dish. (no need to grease.) Brush 1/2 the glaze over the meatloaf. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

6. Add Remaining Glaze

Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for cleaner slices.

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Recipe Notes

Don’t Skip Soaking the Breadcrumbs in Milk!
This is the key to a moist, tender meatloaf. Let them soak while your onions are cooking so they’re perfectly soft and ready to mix in.

For a fun twist, try my Mini Meatloaf Recipe—same flavors, just baked in smaller portions that cook faster and freeze beautifully.

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FAQ

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the loaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?

Absolutely. Slice it and freeze individual portions for easy reheating later.

Can I use oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute quick oats for breadcrumbs in equal measure for a slightly different texture.

More Delicious Recipes

If you loved this classic meatloaf recipe, there are plenty more comforting dishes waiting for you in my kitchen! Here are a few favorites your family will enjoy just as much:

• 🥔 Mini Meatloaf Recipe – All the flavor of this big loaf, but in perfectly portioned minis that bake up faster and freeze like a dream.
• 🍲 Beef Stew Recipe – Tender chunks of beef simmered for hours in a rich broth with carrots, potatoes, and herbs.
• 🧅 Hamburg Noodle Casserole – A cozy weeknight casserole loaded with creamy noodles, beef, and onions—pure comfort in a pan.
• 🫘 Homemade Baked Beans – Slow-baked and full of rich, smoky-sweet flavor. They pair perfectly with meatloaf night!
• 🥗 Quick Bean Salad – Need a light side dish? This easy salad comes together in minutes with a tangy white wine vinegar dressing.

Each of these recipes brings a little home-cooked love to your table. Whether you’re planning Sunday dinner or prepping weekday meals, you’ll find something ridiculicious to make next!

FOODIE & GRILLER APPAREL

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LEMON GLAZED FRUIT SALAD

CHOPPED GARLIC CHEESE BREAD

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER ZUCCHINI BREAD

FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE