This classic meatloaf recipe combines hearty ground beef with everyday pantry staples to create a moist, flavorful, and comforting dish. A tangy ketchup glaze gives it a sweet-savory finish that’s sure to please the whole family. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep, this easy meatloaf delivers satisfying flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
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2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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½ cup milk
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2 large eggs
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Glaze:
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¼ cup ketchup
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Directions
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Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid. -
Add Ingredients
Add the ground beef, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. -
Form Loaf
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a lined or greased baking sheet. -
Apply Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. -
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). -
Rest
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~345 kcal
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Protein: 28 g
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Fat: 20 g
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Saturated Fat: 8 g
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Cholesterol: 119 mg
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Sodium: 1,133 mg
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Carbohydrates: 31 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 11 g
What Makes This Meatloaf Special?
There are countless variations of meatloaf out there, but this version keeps it traditional while ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Here’s what sets it apart:
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Perfect Moisture Balance: Combining milk and breadcrumbs ensures a tender texture that doesn’t dry out, even after nearly an hour in the oven.
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Savory Depth: Ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion add rich umami and aromatic layers that elevate the dish beyond bland.
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Signature Glaze: The glaze—a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard—brings a vibrant contrast that complements the savory loaf beneath. It caramelizes slightly during baking, creating a sticky, flavorful topping.
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Versatile & Forgiving: This recipe welcomes small tweaks. Whether you’re swapping meats or adding spices, it adapts well without losing its comforting character.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf
Even with a simple recipe like this one, a few strategic tips can help ensure the best possible outcome:
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: For food safety and perfect doneness, check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked without drying out.
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Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing helps retain juices and keeps it from falling apart.
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Forming the Loaf: Instead of baking it in a loaf pan, try shaping it by hand on a baking sheet. This allows for more even cooking and better caramelization of the glaze.
Customization Ideas
One of the great things about meatloaf is how adaptable it is. Once you’ve mastered the base, feel free to make it your own:
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Change the Meat: Substitute some or all of the ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a mix. A beef-pork blend adds extra richness, while turkey keeps it leaner.
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Add Cheese: A handful of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan mixed into the loaf adds flavor and moisture.
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Stuff It: Add a surprise inside—try layering cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even hard-boiled eggs in the center.
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Boost the Glaze: Prefer a spicier topping? Add a dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of barbecue sauce to the glaze mix.
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Make it Low-Carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make it keto-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
Meatloaf is one of those dishes that pairs effortlessly with a wide range of sides, making it easy to complete a well-rounded meal:
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the traditional pairing, and for good reason. The smooth texture balances beautifully with the hearty loaf.
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Roasted Vegetables: A mix of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans brings color and freshness to the plate.
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Mac and Cheese: For a soul-warming, indulgent meal, serve meatloaf with homemade macaroni and cheese.
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Salads or Slaws: To keep things lighter, a crisp green salad or vinegar-based coleslaw adds brightness and contrast.
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Sandwiches the Next Day: Leftover meatloaf slices make excellent sandwiches. Try it cold with mayo and lettuce or warm on toasted bread with a slice of cheese.
Meal Prep and Storage
Meatloaf is a fantastic option for meal prep and leftovers. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be frozen for future meals:
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheat: Reheat slices in the oven or microwave. For best results, add a bit of water or extra ketchup on top before heating to prevent dryness.
Health and Nutrition Notes
While meatloaf is often seen as a comfort food indulgence, this recipe balances flavor with relatively moderate nutritional content. Each serving (based on eight portions) contains approximately:
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Calories: 345
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Protein: 28 g
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Fat: 20 g
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Carbohydrates: 31 g
For those watching their sodium intake, consider reducing the ketchup and salt, or using low-sodium Worcestershire sauce. To lower the fat content, substitute leaner ground meat and skip the cheese add-ins.
Conclusion
Mom’s Best Easy Meatloaf isn’t just a recipe—it’s a connection to tradition, family, and the enduring appeal of homemade comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, invites conversation, and creates memories that last far beyond dinner time.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this meatloaf delivers consistent results with minimal fuss. Its simplicity is its strength, and its flavor is sure to win over even the most skeptical eaters. Add it to your weekly rotation, serve it for a casual get-together, or share it with someone who could use a little extra comfort. It’s more than just meatloaf—it’s a warm hug on a plate.