If you grew up having meatloaf on dinner repeat like I did, you will definitely love my version that gives your mama’s a serious run. This ain’t the same ole same ole. I keep it juicy and flavorful with a ton of spices, garlic and veggies. Then I top it with a spiced brown sugar ketchup letting it bake up sticky and tangy. It’s a fave when you need a weeknight dinner that hits just right.
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Meatloaf Ingredients
- Ground Beef + Pork: Pork has a milder flavor than beef which is more intense. I combine them but you can pick just one if you want and double.
- Yellow Onion: Sweet onions also work.
- Garlic: I like to grate the garlic to release more flavor.
- Eggs and Breadcrumbs: To bind everything. Can swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce.
- Mustard: I like to use yellow or honey mustard.
- Ketchup Glaze: Made from sweet ketchup, sticky brown sugar, and spicy cayenne, this simple glaze coats the meatloaf and changes the entire experience. I often double the recipe and serve the extra on the side!
How to make the Best Meatloaf
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf in a large bowl. Mix well to fully combine everything.
Step 2: Add meat to a loaf pan, gently press meat down to shape evenly, and bake.
Step 3: Mix all the ingredients together for the sauce in a small bowl.
Step 4: Spread the sauce over the meatloaf then return to the oven. Bake again until fully cooked through.
Meatloaf Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef 85% or 90% lean
- 1 lb ground pork or another pound of ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion grated or finely minced
- 4 garlic cloves finely grated minced
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- kosher salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon and go up to 1 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Meatloaf Sauce
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
For the Meatloaf
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix well to fully combine everything.
- Add meat to a 9×5 loaf pan, gently press meat down to shape evenly. Bake for 40 minutes.
For the Meatloaf Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together for the sauce. Spread the sauce over the meatloaf then return to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Rest meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with baking juices from the pan.
Notes
- Let It Rest: Don’t cut into that meatloaf right away, y’all! Let it rest for at least 10 minutes so all the juices settle and you don’t end up with a dry loaf (or burn your mouth).
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the ingredients, mix just until everything’s combined. Overmixing makes the meatloaf dense and tough.
- Parchment Paper Hack: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving the edges hanging over the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the meatloaf out when it’s done!
- Shape It Gently: When pressing the meat mixture into the pan, don’t squish the life out of it. Press too hard and you might end up with a dry, compact meatloaf.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Let It Rest: Don’t cut into that meatloaf right away, y’all! Let it rest for at least 10 minutes so all the juices settle and you don’t end up with a dry loaf (or burn your mouth).
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the ingredients, mix just until everything’s combined. Overmixing makes the meatloaf dense and tough.
- Parchment Paper Hack: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving the edges hanging over the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the meatloaf out when it’s done!
- Shape It Gently: When pressing the meat mixture into the pan, don’t squish the life out of it. Press too hard, and you might end up with a dry, compact meatloaf.
Serving Suggestions
- Comfort Food Sides: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a cheesy baked mac and cheese to round out the meal.
- Veggies: Lighten things up some collard greens, mustard greens, or Southern green beans. Also balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, or even a side of creamed spinach works nicely.
- Bread: I like to serve with these yeast rolls, a skillet of honey cornbread, or some classic buttermilk biscuits.
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I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Recipe Variations
- Add Veggies: Dice up some bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to mix into the meatloaf.
- Cheesy Twist: My husband goes crazy for a little cheese in his meatloaf! Toss in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the mix.
- Skip the Sauce: If you don’t like the ketchup glaze, go for a rich brown gravy instead. It pairs SO good with this classic meatloaf recipe.
Recipe Help
If you’re adjusting the amount of meat, here’s the rule: start with 30 minutes for the first pound, then add 15 minutes per extra pound. So a 2-pound meatloaf bakes for 45 minutes, and a 3-pounder would bake for 1 hour. Keep an eye on it and check with a meat thermometer, you’re looking for 160°F inside!
Yessir! You can mix up the meatloaf, shape it, and then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before it goes in the oven.
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Grandbaby Cakes JANUARY RECIPE CHALLENGE!! recipe! I did think the sauce was a little too sweet; so I divided the meatloaf in half; half with the sauce you posted and the other half of meatloaf with a adjusted sauce (much less brown sugar, some minced onion, minced celery and some homemade “hot relish”. We enjoyed both! Another great recipe! Thank you.
Wonderful recipe! I did think the sauce was a little too sweet; so I divided the meatloaf in half; half with the sauce you posted and the other half of meatloaf with a adjusted sauce (much less brown sugar, some minced onion, minced celery and some homemade “hot relish”. We enjoyed both! Another great recipe! Thank you.
Absolutely fabulous! We both loved it Meatloaf
That’s incredible. So glad you enjoyed it.
Absolutely fabulous! We both loved it
This recipe is excellent! I have made this a few times and it’s delicious. Definitely my go to meatloaf recipe!
Wow thank you Nancy.
Ive made t Severa times, along with Other reciPes from you.
When im looking up a reciepe, you are my go to!!
AWE!! You’ve made my day! Thank you so much Michelle!