Here’s a classic, juicy Baked Meatloaf recipe — hearty, comforting, and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients and comes out tender and flavorful every time.
🍽️ Classic Baked Meatloaf Recipe
✅ Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80–85% lean is ideal)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or thyme/parsley)
- 2 large eggs
For the Glaze (optional but recommended):
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
🥣 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil, or use a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon just until combined — don’t overmix or it can get tough.
- Shape into a loaf (roughly 9×5″) on the baking sheet or press into a loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients. Spread about 2/3 of the glaze over the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
- In the last 5–10 minutes, spread the remaining glaze on top and return to the oven.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it stay juicy and firm up.
📝 Tips
- Want extra flavor? Add chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or a touch of BBQ sauce.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or half beef/half turkey.