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Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

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

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

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

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