This is really it – the BEST Meatloaf you’ll ever make! It’s perfectly moist, packed with all of the classic flavors you know and love, and made delicious with an incredible savory ketchup sauce on top. A timeless, kid-friendly entree that’s always great for dinner!

A baked meatloaf is partially sliced and placed on a white serving plate.

The Best Meatloaf

I know, I know. Your grandma actually made the best meatloaf ever and this recipe can simply never compare. While I’m sure your grandma or other amazing ancestral home cook did whip up an incredible meatloaf, I’ve gotta say – this one really is the BEST I’ve personally ever had! It’s never dried out, has so much savory flavor, the best glaze, and is made with no unnecessary frills.

Oh, and on top of all of that, it’s also so very easy to make! On a busy weeknight when you just need something classic and hearty on the table that you know your family will love, recipes like this are the ones to turn to. This meatloaf recipe comes together with minimal prep work and simple, budget-friendly ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen right now.

One of my favorite things about serving up some all-American meatloaf is knowing that kids will actually eat it! When it comes to kid-friendly recipes, meatloaf has always gotten the job done. It’s simple, filling, and a great way to sneak protein onto even the pickiest eater’s plate. Plus, it pairs well with SO many different side dishes! You can easily make your plate perfect for you and your family.

The ingredients for meatloaf are placed in a bowl next to a bowl of glaze.

How to Make the Best Meatloaf

Follow these quick and simple steps to make the very best classic meatloaf. Scroll to the bottom of this post for more detailed instructions!

  1. Mix. Combine the ground beef, sausage, onions, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Mix until just combined.
  2. Make the glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze until smooth.
  3. Form the meatloaf. Arrange the meatloaf in a prepared baking dish. Spoon about half of the glaze all over the meatloaf, then brush it to make sure it fully covers.
  4. Bake. Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for about an hour and a half.
  5. Let it cool. It’s going to be HOT when it comes out of the oven! Let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
A prepared but unbaked meatloaf is placed on a baking dish.

Tips for the Best Meatloaf

Here are just a few tips and tricks to help you make this meaty masterpiece:

  • Use homemade ketchup. It’s so much easier to whip up than you may think and really lends the best flavor to the glaze! Check out my favorite recipe for homemade ketchup for more info.
  • Don’t over-mix. When making the meatloaf mixture, it’s important to just mix all of the ingredients together until combined. If you over-mix it, the meatloaf will become very tough once it’s baked.
  • Check the temperature. The most effective way to make sure your meatloaf is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Inserted into the thickest part of the meat, the thermometer should read 160°F when the meatloaf is fully cooked.

How long will meatloaf stay fresh?

Once your meatloaf has fully cooled to room temperature, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Feel free to reheat in the microwave or right back in the oven until warmed through.

How to Serve Meatloaf

There are SO MANY sides that pair well with meatloaf! Some of my favorites include classic mashed potatoes with some homemade brown gravy, oven roasted baby potatoes or something fresher like simple steamed broccoli.

Sliced meatloaf is plated next to roasted potatoes.

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Sliced meatloaf is plated next to roasted potatoes.

Get the Recipe: The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Tender, juicy Meatloaf baked under a tangy glaze is the retro dinner that never goes out of style. A family favorite for decades, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual Sunday dinners.
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1 cup diced sweet onion
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper

Meatloaf Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

Equipment

  • 1 baking dish

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F.
  • In a medim bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, onion, garlic egg, bread crumbs, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until well blended. Do not over mix.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and mustard.
  • Arrange the meatloaf in a 9×13 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray and form into a loaf approximately 9 inches by 5 inches.
  • Spoon half the glaze over the meatloaf to coat brushing the entire surface to cover.
  • Bake the meatloaf at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until an instant read thermometer reads 160˚F.
  • Cool for 15-20 minutes.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

Amp up the flavor by adding some homemade Meatloaf Seasoning!
Make it lean by substituting the sausage with ground turkey.
 
Calories: 417kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 154mg, Sodium: 1307mg, Potassium: 781mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 386IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 5mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American