Meatloaf – that quintessential American comfort food classic – is the kind of dish that has the power to transport you right back to childhood. The mere scent of it baking in the oven, dotted with ketchup and herbs, is enough to conjure up memories of cozy family dinners and mom’s home cooking.
But not all meatloaves are created equal. Too often, this humble dish ends up dry, dense, and lacking in flavor. The texture is sometimes mealy, the seasonings are off, and the lackluster glaze (if there even is one) just doesn’t do the meat justice.
That’s why I’m sharing my foolproof recipe for the BEST meatloaf you’ll ever taste. It’s moist, flavorful, and smothered in the most incredible sweet-tangy glaze that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
1. The Best Meatloaf Recipe (with an Amazing Glaze!)
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients. Spread half of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 160°F).
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get to work on this truly outstanding meatloaf recipe. It’s the ultimate in home-cooked comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
