Discover the best meatloaf recipe with our foolproof guide! This easy meatloaf recipe features a sweet tangy glaze and 3 secrets for tender, juicy results every time. Ready in 70 minutes.
There’s nothing quite like a classic meatloaf recipe to bring comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. This perfect meatloaf recipe delivers tender, juicy results every single time, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that takes it to the next level.
Why This Meatloaf Recipe Works
What makes this the best meatloaf recipe? It’s all about the technique. This recipe includes three simple secrets that ensure your meatloaf stays moist, flavorful, and never dry. The combination of half and half, Italian breadcrumbs, and the 30-minute resting period creates a texture that’s incredibly tender while the homemade glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.
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Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon parsley flakes
For the Tangy Glaze:
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
How to Make the Best Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This classic meatloaf recipe starts with properly sautéed aromatics. Prepare the ingredients above.
Heat a medium pan over medium heat, add butter, and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for two minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness and ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout your meatloaf. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Signature Glaze
In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This sweet and tangy sauce is what makes this meatloaf recipe truly special. Set aside while you prepare the meat mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, add your ground beef along with paprika, parsley flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce and your cooled onion and garlic mixture. Mix gently until just combined, overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf.
Next, add the half and half, egg, and Italian bread crumbs. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The half and half is one of the secrets to keeping this meatloaf recipe incredibly moist.
Step 4: The Resting Period (Secret Tip!)
Here’s a bonus step that many meatloaf recipes skip: allow your mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This resting period lets the breadcrumbs absorb the liquids fully, resulting in better texture and easier handling when forming your loaf.
Step 5: Form and Glaze
After 30 minutes, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and form it into a loaf shape. Transfer your formed loaf to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet, this allows heat to circulate around the entire meatloaf and prevents it from sitting in its own juices.
Generously brush the top and sides with your prepared glaze, reserving some for later if desired.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer to your preheated 350°F oven and bake for one hour. The internal temperature should reach 160°F when fully cooked. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf Recipe
Choose the Right Meat: This recipe uses ground beef with a good fat ratio (80/20 works well) to ensure moisture and flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently. Overmixing develops the proteins too much, resulting in a dense, tough texture.
Use a Wire Rack: Elevating your meatloaf allows fat to drip away and promotes even cooking all around.
Rest Before Slicing: Patience pays off! Letting your meatloaf rest before cutting ensures neat slices that hold together beautifully.
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Serving Suggestions
This classic meatloaf recipe serves 6 people and pairs wonderfully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans almondine
- A simple garden salad
- Mac and cheese
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This meatloaf recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can form the loaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftover meatloaf keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and makes incredible sandwiches.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 982 kcal per serving
source: YouTube/Soul food cooking
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe
This isn’t just any meatloaf recipe, it’s the one you’ll return to again and again. The combination of simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and those three secrets (plus the bonus resting step) creates a meatloaf that’s restaurant-quality right in your own kitchen.
The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a delicious crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy interior. Whether you’re feeding a family on a weeknight or preparing Sunday dinner, this meatloaf recipe delivers comfort food at its finest.
Ready to make the best meatloaf of your life? Gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps for a dinner everyone will love!
