Meatloaf 🥩—cozy, classic, and unbeatable when it’s done right. Here’s a juicy, flavorful, no-dry-edges meatloaf that works every single time.
🍽️ Classic Homemade Meatloaf
Serves: 4–6
Time: ~1 hour 15 min
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Topping
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven
350°F (175°C) - Make the panade
Mix milk and breadcrumbs. Let soak 1–2 minutes. - Mix the meatloaf
Add beef, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, and seasonings.
Mix gently—don’t overwork it. - Shape & top
Shape into a loaf on a lined baking sheet or place in a loaf pan.
Mix topping ingredients and spread on top. - Bake
55–65 minutes, until internal temp hits 160°F (71°C). - Rest
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing (this keeps it juicy).
🔥 Pro Tips
- Milk + crumbs = moisture (non-negotiable)
- If using a loaf pan, drain excess grease halfway through
- For extra flavor, use half beef, half pork
✨ Variations
- Cheesy: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar
- BBQ: Swap ketchup topping for BBQ sauce
- Italian: Use marinara + mozzarella
- Glazed individual loaves: Cook in muffin tin (25–30 min)
🥔 Best Sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Mac & cheese
- Buttered corn
If you want, I can give you a crispy-edge meatloaf, a slow-cooker version, or a comfort-food remix (meatloaf + mashed potato bake 👀).
