The Best Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe That Never Fails

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

classic meatloaf ingredients fountainof30

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

classic meatloaf ingredients for glaze founainof30

For the Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat to 350°F.
  2. 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.
  3. Shape the mixture evenly into a loaf pan. Smooth the top for even glazing.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush about 2/3 of the glaze over the loaf.
  5. Bake uncovered for 1 hour 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  6. Brush on the remaining glaze and bake for 10 additional minutes.
  7. 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 ingredients in a bowl
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.
Shape the mixture evenly into a loaf pan.
classic meatloaf raw in pan
Smooth the top for even glazing.
classic meatloaf recipe mix sauce
In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
 glaze over the loaf
Brush about 2/3 of the glaze over the loaf.
meatloaf with glaze on top before baklng
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. 
meatloaf in pan after baking
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

classic meatloaf sliced in pan

Yield: 4-6

Classic Meatloaf

classic meatloaf recipe serving fountainof30

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.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 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

  1. Preheat to 350°F.
  2. 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.
  3. Shape the mixture evenly into a loaf pan. Smooth the top for even glazing.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush about 2/3 of the glaze over the loaf.
  5. Bake uncovered for 1 hour 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  6. Brush on the remaining glaze and bake for 10 additional minutes.
  7. 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:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount 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.

Carol Calacci

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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This classic meatloaf recipe is comfort food at its best—easy to make, full of nostalgic flavor, and finished with a sweet-and-tangy glaze. #ClassicMeatloaf #ComfortFoodRecipe #EasyDinnerIdeas #NostalgicCooking #FamilyDinner This classic meatloaf recipe is easy to make, full of nostalgic flavor, and finished with a sweet-and-tangy glaze. Perfect for cozy family dinners and simple weeknight meals.
#ClassicMeatloaf #ComfortFood #EasyDinnerIdeas #NostalgicCooking #FamilyDinner

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