The Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy & Flavor-Packed

Crafting the best homemade meatloaf becomes an adventure in comfort and flavor that sparks joy in every kitchen.

Memories of childhood dinners rush back with each slice of this classic dish.

Meat, herbs, and spices blend together to create a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich aromas will fill your home, promising something truly special waiting on the plate.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this perfect combination of ground beef and seasonings.

Families gather around the table, eager to savor each delectable bite of this timeless recipe.

Why Best Homemade Meatloaf Feels Like Classic Comfort Food

• Savor Mouthwatering Comfort: This homemade meatloaf delivers rich, hearty flavors that remind you of classic home cooking with a perfectly balanced blend of seasonings and a delicious sweet-tangy glaze.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: The recipe requires basic mixing and baking skills, making it ideal for beginners who want to create a delectable main dish without complicated cooking methods.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, this meatloaf satisfies diverse taste preferences with its familiar and universally loved flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple modifications like swapping beef broth, using different sauces, or adding extra herbs to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed For The Best Homemade Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A classic, flavorful meat that forms the core of this hearty meatloaf.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Beef Broth: These ingredients help keep the meatloaf moist and provide a tender texture.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf together.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the meatloaf.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, savory umami flavor.
• Ketchup: Offers a tangy sweetness to the meat mixture and glaze.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides aromatic depth and complexity to the meatloaf.

• Ketchup (or BBQ Sauce), Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and sticky glaze that caramelizes on top of the meatloaf.

Simple Steps For Best Homemade Meatloaf Success

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C) and give a quick spray of cooking oil to a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix the Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Beef broth
• Whisked eggs
• Fresh parsley
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Gently blend everything together, being careful not to overwork the mixture – you want it tender, not tough.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pan, sculpting it into a classic loaf shape with loving care.

Step 4: Create the Glorious Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup (or BBQ sauce) and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: First Glaze Application

Spread half of the glaze generously across the top of the meatloaf, creating a tantalizing first layer of flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for one hour. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160F (71C) – this ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to enjoy.

Step 7: Final Glaze Touch

Pull the meatloaf out and brush on the remaining glaze. Pop it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes to let that glaze caramelize beautifully.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes – this helps it hold together when you slice. Then cut into hearty portions and serve up some serious comfort food!

Cooking Tips For A Juicy Best Homemade Meatloaf

• Opt for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excess grease while maintaining moisture in the meatloaf.
• Soak breadcrumbs in beef broth before mixing to create a more tender and juicy texture that prevents dryness.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense consistency.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring the meatloaf is fully cooked without becoming dry.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Tasty Variations Of Best Homemade Meatloaf To Try

• Mediterranean Meatloaf: Replace ground beef with a mix of ground lamb and beef, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Incorporate diced green chiles, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and replace ketchup glaze with a chipotle-honey sauce for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, replace breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, top with melted Swiss cheese during the final baking stage for an earthy, rich variation.

Perfect Sides To Serve With Best Homemade Meatloaf

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the meatloaf, cutting through its hearty texture with smooth tannins.
• Create Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Whip up smooth, buttery mashed potatoes as the perfect side dish, absorbing the meatloaf's savory juices and providing a comforting, velvety contrast.
• Add Roasted Green Vegetables: Prepare crispy roasted broccoli or green beans with garlic and olive oil, offering a fresh, slightly crunchy element that balances the meatloaf's dense protein and adds nutritional variety.

How To Store Best Homemade Meatloaf The Right Way

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place meatloaf slice in baking dish, add splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Your FAQs About Best Homemade Meatloaf

• Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, airier texture in meatloaf and help absorb moisture better, ensuring the meatloaf stays juicy and tender without becoming dense.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Ground turkey tends to be leaner, so add a bit more moisture like extra broth to prevent dryness.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160F (71C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and flavorful.

Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting meatloaf masterpiece blends juicy ground beef with savory herbs and a tangy glaze that elevates classic American dinner. Rich flavors and hearty textures promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) 80%-90% ground beef (or ground turkey, or 1 pound ground pork and 1 pound ground beef)

Binders and Moisture:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) beef broth (or milk)
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 2 tablespoons ketchup

Seasonings:

• 2/3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with light cooking spray.
2. Combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beef broth, whisked eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl.
3. Gently fold ingredients together until evenly distributed, avoiding excessive meat compression.
4. Carefully transfer meat mixture into prepared pan, molding it into a uniform loaf shape.
5. Whisk ketchup (or BBQ sauce) with brown sugar in a separate small bowl to create a glossy glaze.
6. Drizzle and spread half the glaze evenly across the meatloaf’s surface.
7. Roast in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 160F (71C).
8. Remove from oven, brush remaining glaze over meatloaf, and return to oven for additional 5-7 minutes to caramelize.
9. Allow meatloaf to rest and stabilize for 10-12 minutes before slicing for optimal moisture retention.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent a tough, dense texture that can make the meatloaf chewy and unpleasant.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for a lighter, more tender meatloaf that absorbs moisture without becoming soggy.
• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining a juicy, flavorful result.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, diet-friendly version that still delivers rich, satisfying flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg