The concept of this dish kind of makes me raise an eyebrow because, well, it’s a loaf of meat. But when it’s executed well, it’s just so good. This easy meatloaf recipe is filling, cozy, and delicious, and I always look forward to eating the leftovers (hello meatloaf sandwich, I’m looking at you). It also happens to be pretty budget-friendly since it stretches a pound and a half of ground beef with pantry staples to make seven hearty servings. This recipe is the traditional homemade meatloaf that we all know and love—tender, juicy, full of flavor, and with a tangy tomato glaze on top. It’s so perfect when paired with mashed potatoes and green beans. Like a plate of pure comfort!

A Family Dinner Staple

There is no comfort food like my famous meatloaf recipe. With almost 200 5-star reviews, it’s one of my favorite recipes on Budget Bytes. It’s a winner every time, and tested (and tested and tested) to make sure it’s completely fool-proof.

And here’s why this meatloaf turns out so perfectly every single time: the ingredients all play a role in texture and flavor, and the balance is just right. I always opt for 80/20 ground beef because the fat keeps things moist and tasty. Breadcrumbs and milk help lock in that moisture while giving the loaf its signature tender bite, and the egg holds it all together. I also use a simple seasoning mix to add flavor while still allowing the natural beef flavor to shine through. And that glaze? A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce (for added umami) makes it tangy, glossy, and just sweet enough. Trust me, don’t skip it. 🤤

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Classic Meatloaf

This easy meatloaf recipe is just like the traditional meatloaf grandma used to make. Tender and juicy with the perfect tomato glaze!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings 7

Calories 328 kcal

Ingredients

  

Meatloaf

• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs 
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup minced onion
• 1½ lbs. ground beef

Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp yellow mustard

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a small bowl whisk together the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. In a separate small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mince the onion.
• Add the ground beef, egg mixture, breadcrumb mixture, and minced onion to a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. Avoid over mixing.
• Place the meat mixture on a rimmed baking dish and shape it into a loaf that is approximately 4-inches wide, 8-inches long, and 2-inches tall.
• In a separate small bowl, stir together the glaze ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard). Spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.

Bake the meatloaf for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, then slice and serve.

Notes

*Ground beef is the base for this recipe, and I suggest using 80/20 (20% fat) ground beef. This is really important as it not only gives flavor, but it also stops the loaf from drying out.

 

**The sugar in the meatloaf sauce adds sweetness and the most delicious caramelization once baked. But I know ketchup is already pretty sweet, so feel free to use half the amount of sugar to suit your tastes.