Hands down, this is the best meatloaf recipe we’ve ever had in our house

 

Hands Down, This Is the Best Meatloaf Recipe We’ve Ever Had in Our House

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as classic—and often underrated—as meatloaf. It’s simple, hearty, and filling. But let’s be honest: not all meatloaf recipes are created equal. Some are too dry, others too greasy, and some just plain bland.

Well, not this one.

After years of testing, tweaking, and taste-testing, our family has finally found “the one.” Hands down, this is the best meatloaf recipe we’ve ever had in our house—and now it’s a permanent part of our weekly meal rotation. Moist, flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and topped with a sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven—this meatloaf is what comfort food dreams are made of.

Let’s dive into the recipe that turned even our meatloaf skeptics into lifelong fans.

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🍽️ Why This Meatloaf Is a Winner

• Incredibly moist (no dry, crumbly meatloaf here)

• Perfectly seasoned with a balance of herbs and savory depth

• Crowd-pleasing glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and sticky—in the best way

• Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen

• Makes amazing leftovers—hello, meatloaf sandwiches!

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🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for flavor and moisture)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional but recommended)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the glaze:

• 1/3 cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

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👨‍🍳 How to Make the Best-Ever Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan if using one.

Step 2: Soak the breadcrumbs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for 5 minutes. This step locks in moisture and keeps the meatloaf tender.

Step 3: Mix it up
Add the ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and herbs to the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently but thoroughly. Overmixing can make it dense, so aim for just-combined.

Step 4: Shape and glaze
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet, or press it into a loaf pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients, then spoon half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake to perfection
Bake for 45 minutes, then spoon the remaining glaze over the top and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes it easier to cut.

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🍽️ What to Serve with It

This meatloaf pairs perfectly with all the classic sides. Try it with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Roasted green beans

• Buttery corn on the cob

• Mac and cheese

• A simple green salad

Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover glaze from the pan over your slices!

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🥪 Bonus: The Best Meatloaf Sandwiches

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and that’s a big if), this meatloaf makes the ultimate sandwich. Just layer a thick slice onto toasted bread with mayo, pickles, and a slice of cheese. Grill it like a panini, or enjoy cold—it’s just as amazing the next day.

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🏆 Final Thoughts

We’ve tried a lot of meatloaf recipes over the years, but this one tops them all. It’s flavorful, foolproof, and loved by everyone in the house—from picky kids to meat-and-potatoes adults. If you’ve written off meatloaf as boring or bland, this recipe will change your mind.

It’s not just good—it’s crave-worthy. And once you try it, you’ll understand why we call it the best meatloaf we’ve ever had.