Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
A classic meatloaf recipe that is a perfect comfort dinner. A savory blend of ground beef and pork topped with a sweet glaze.
Meatloaf is always hit around here. Whether I am making Meatloaf with Herbed Cream Sauce, Chorizo Meatloaf or Sriracha Meatloaf, my family are big fans of meatloaf. And while there are so many different meatloaf varieties out there, everyone needs a Classic Meatloaf recipe in their repertoire. It makes a great Sunday supper and the leftovers are even great as sandwiches.
This recipe uses two different kinds of meat, onions, garlic, seasonings and ketchup to create a moist, tender , flavorful meatloaf. And of course, classic meatloaf isn’t complete without a sweet glaze on top. That is why this one is served with an easy meatloaf glaze.
Let’s talk about what you need to make it.
Classic Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients:
For this recipe, there is essentially two parts: The meatloaf and the glaze. For the meatloaf you’ll need:
- GROUND BEEF: For the juiciest meatloaf, I recommend using a ground beef with a higher fat content. Look for meat labeled 80/20.
- GROUND PORK: The blend of ground pork and ground beef gives this meatloaf great flavor and texture.
- GARLIC
- THYME: Adds a peppery flavor. You can use fresh or dried.
- PAPRIKA: Adds color and smokiness.
- OREGANO: Like the thyme will add a little peppery flavor and you can use fresh or dried.
- WORCESTERSHIRE: A must whenever making meatloaf. It adds a great umami flavor.
- KETCHUP: Adds flavor and moisture.
- BREADCRUMBS: Will help hold the meatloaf together.
- EGGS: Will also act as a binder to help hold everything together.
To make the glaze you’ll need:
- KETCHUP: This will make up the bulk of the glaze.
- BROWN SUGAR: Adds a bit of sweetness as well as helps the ketchup get that classic glaze texture.
- APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Adds acidity.
Step By Step Photos and Instructions:
Making meatloaf is actually really easy, simply combine all of the meatloaf ingredients and form into a loaf. Then top with a glaze and bake. Follow along with these step by step photos and instructions and I’ll walk you through the process.
Combine all meatloaf ingredients together in a bowl. Form into loaf. 
Make glaze. 
Top with 1/3 of the glaze. Bake for 45 – 60 minutes. 
Allow to rest 10 minutes. Top with a little more glaze.
STEP #1: Combine all of the ingredients for the meatloaf in a bowl. Mix together, but be careful not to overwork or the meatloaf will be tough. Form into a loaf and place on an aluminum lined rimmed baking sheet.
STEP #2: Combine all of the glaze ingredients in small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the glaze reduces and thickens slightly.
STEP #3: Brush half of the glaze on top of the meatloaf and bake. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Top with half of the remaining glaze. Slice.
Serve with the left over glaze.
Storage and Leftovers:
Meatloaf will last in the refrigerator for a few days. It can be served warmed or cold for sandwiches.
Recipe FAQ:
Adding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs help keep meatloaf together. It is also important to use meat that has a little more fat, that is why I recommend using ground beef that has a fat to lean ratio of 80/20.
Avoid over-mixing the meatloaf. Mix just until everything comes together and it can hold a loaf shape. Over-mixing can make the meatloaf tough.
Need side dishes to serve with this Meatloaf? Try these:
Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes are always great with meatloaf!
Sautéed Broccoli is a quick and easy vegetable side dish.
Break out the air fryer to try these Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes.
Note: Originally published in 2008. Updated with a modified recipe, photos, step by step photos and nutrition information in 2024.
Meatloaf
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire
Meatloaf Glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Combine all meatloaf ingredients in a bowl and use clean hands to mix. Form into a loaf pan and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Combine meatloaf glaze ingredients together in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until it starts to bubble and thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Brush 1/3 cup of glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Cook for 45 - 60 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160 degrees. Remove from oven, cover and let rest for 15 minutes. Top with half of the remaining glaze. Slice and serve with the other half of remaining glaze.
Notes
Nutrition
Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.
Greg
May 11, 2012 at 9:18 pmWife and I tried this last night and it was delicious! Made enough for dinner and just the right amount for lunch leftovers today. Used sweet Italian sausage. Thanks for the recipe!
merle eager
April 19, 2010 at 5:15 ami,VE checked out qiite a few reipes for meatloaf this morning. Yours looks good. I,m goong to give it a try. My wife cooks at the co op in Belfast Me.. She sugested meatloaf tonight so meatloaf its going to be