Best Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy Comfort Food for Family Nights

Why Make This Recipe

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights at home. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. This best meatloaf recipe guarantees a juicy and flavorful dish that everyone in your family will love. Plus, it’s a versatile meal—great for leftovers or can be easily customized to fit your tastes.

How to Make Best Meatloaf

Making meatloaf is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. This recipe offers a delicious combination of ground meat with veggies and seasonings that create a delightful loaf, perfect for any family gathering or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey for lighter option)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (panko for extra texture)
• 2 large Eggs (or flaxseed meal mixed with water for vegan option)
• 1 cup Chopped Onion (or shallots for a sweeter taste)
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic for bolder flavor)
• 1 cup Ketchup (or barbecue sauce for variation)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (omit for vegetarian option)
• 1 tbsp Oregano (or substitute with thyme or Italian seasoning)
• 1 tbsp Salt (to taste)
• 1 tbsp Pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup Finely Chopped Vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (like cheddar for richness)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic powder, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix in the finely chopped vegetables and shredded cheese until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Best Meatloaf

Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm on a plate. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. You can drizzle extra ketchup or barbecue sauce on top for added flavor. For a fun twist, serve it in a sandwich with some lettuce and tomato.

How to Store Best Meatloaf

Allow any leftover meatloaf to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips to Make Best Meatloaf

• For a juicier meatloaf, don’t overmix the ingredients.
• Let the meatloaf sit out for a bit after baking. This helps it hold its shape when slicing.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to elevate the flavor to your liking.
• Adding a layer of ketchup over the top before baking gives a nice glaze and extra flavor.

Variation

You can easily modify this meatloaf recipe to fit your dietary needs. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. For a veggie-packed option, increase the amount of finely chopped vegetables or try adding some cooked lentils.

FAQs

Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.

Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used. Just remember that different meats may vary slightly in cooking time.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (70°C) in the center. If you don’t have one, you can cut into the meatloaf and ensure it is no longer pink inside.

Meatloaf

This best meatloaf recipe guarantees a juicy and flavorful dish that everyone in your family will love, perfect for any family gathering or weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey for lighter option)
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (panko for extra texture)
• 2 large Eggs (or flaxseed meal mixed with water for vegan option)
• 1 cup Chopped Onion (or shallots for a sweeter taste)
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic for bolder flavor)
• 1 cup Ketchup (or barbecue sauce for variation)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (omit for vegetarian option)
• 1 tbsp Oregano (or substitute with thyme or Italian seasoning)
• 1 tbsp Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp Pepper to taste
• 1 cup Finely Chopped Vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (like cheddar for richness)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic powder, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix in the finely chopped vegetables and shredded cheese until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.

Cooking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
2. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a juicier meatloaf, don’t overmix the ingredients. Let the meatloaf sit out for a bit after baking to help it hold its shape when slicing. You can drizzle extra ketchup or barbecue sauce on top for added flavor.