Classic meatloaf never really goes out of style—it just waits patiently for us to remember how good it is. This is the kind of recipe many of us grew up with, the one that filled the kitchen with the best aroma and made delicious sandwiches with leftovers the next day.
This version keeps all that nostalgic comfort but makes it incredibly easy to pull together. A handful of pantry staples, one bowl, and a simple glaze are all it takes to create a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that still feels special without requiring much effort. It’s the perfect comfort food during the winter months or any time of year.
You may also like to try Lauren’s Healthy and Easy Turkey Meatloaf recipe.
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Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 70 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture evenly into a loaf pan. Smooth the top for even glazing.
- In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush about 2/3 of the glaze over the loaf.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Brush on the remaining glaze and bake for 10 additional minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with rolled oats or panko if desired.
- Any unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) may be substituted for the milk.
- For picky eaters who dislike onion, swap the fresh onion for 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- For a twist, try using your favorite barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup glaze mixture.
- Make-ahead tip: Shape the loaf, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 1 day before baking.










Classic Meatloaf
This classic meatloaf keeps all that nostalgic comfort but is easy to make. A handful of pantry staples, one bowl, and a simple glaze are all it takes to create a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture evenly into a loaf pan. Smooth the top for even glazing.
- In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush about 2/3 of the glaze over the loaf.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Brush on the remaining glaze and bake for 10 additional minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Breadcrumb can be substituted with rolled oats or panko if desired.
- Any unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) may be substituted for the milk.
- For picky eaters who dislike onion, swap the fresh onion for 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- For a twist, try using your favorite barbecue sauce instead of the ketchup glaze mixture.
- Make-ahead tip: Shape the loaf, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 1 day before baking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 676Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 202mgSodium: 1012mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 2gSugar: 13gProtein: 50g
Nutrition information isn't always accurate. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.
You may also like to try Quick & Flavorful Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs for Busy Nights and Easy 30-Minute Ground Beef Stir Fry with Sweet & Spicy Sesame Sauce.
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