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Dairy Free
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Nut Free
How to Make Meatloaf At Home
This homemade meatloaf recipe offers comfort food at its finest. Pair with mashed potatoes and a salad for a classic weeknight dinner meal!
Meatloaf is a one-dish wonder that combines ground beef with a delicious array of spices to present an oven-baked dinner.
A pound of seasoned ground beef, panko bread crumbs, spices, and tender onions blend to form a savory, juicy loaf. We shape it directly on parchment paper for easy cleanup or into a greased loaf pan.
The star is a sweet chili glaze made of ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and sweet chili sauce. Brushed halfway through the bake, it creates a caramelized crust that balances salty, sweet, and smoky notes.
The loaf bakes at 350°F for roughly 40 minutes, then finishes baking with more glaze for 20 minutes more. This timing delivers a tender center and perfectly crispy exterior. A classic meat loaf recipe is a perfect main dish on the dinner table alongside mac and cheese or any other favorite side dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic meatloaf stands out as easy enough for weeknights, yet flavorful enough for weekend dinners. The panko breadcrumbs lock moisture inside, Worcestershire sauce delivers depth, and the sweet chili glaze adds a vibrant finish. Serve this loaf with creamy mashed potatoes. Roast vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, and mix up a crisp and fresh salad for a complete meal everyone will love.
Key Ingredients
Ground beef: Use medium-fat beef for juicy, tender results.
Dried Parsley, ground paprika, and chili flakes add fresh herbal and spiced notes throughout the loaf.
Panko breadcrumbs: Large, airy crumbs keep meatloaf light and moist.
Grated onion adds savory moisture and a sweet onion aroma.
Eggs bind the meat mixture for clean slicing.
Worcestershire sauce adds umami richness and depth.
Tomato ketchup works in the mixture to moisten and flavor the loaf.
Black pepper: Adds sharp heat and seasoning.
For the glaze, you’ll need: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and sweet chili sauce.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
How to Make a Meatloaf Recipe at Home
Step 1: Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Step 2: Create the meatloaf
Combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf in a large bowl. Mix to combine.
Step 3: Form
Form a 8×4″ loaf on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Feel free to use a greased loaf pan instead.
Step 4: Glaze and bake
Combine and mix the ingredients for a glaze, brush the half of it onto the loaf and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 5: Add glaze and finish baking
Remove from the oven and spread the rest of the glaze on top. Bake for 20 more minutes.
Expert Tips
- Don’t over-mix the meat. Handle gently to prevent a tough texture.
- When you grate the onion, this yields even moisture without visible chunks.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create a soft and tender crumb.
- Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing to let the juices settle.
- Make this classic meatloaf recipe ahead of time: wrap slices of cooked meatloaf in aluminum foil and freeze for 1-2 months.
- Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley on top.
- Multitask with roasted broccoli on the side. Broccoli roasts quickly atop a separate sheet pan in the same oven!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, having a meat thermometer is ideal. Bake to 160°F internal temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, bake until juices run clear and the loaf feels firm.
Yes! A BBQ sauce swap works beautifully in both glaze and loaf mixture.
Use higher-fat beef, add a splash of olive oil, and don’t overbake. Let it rest for moist results.
Yes. Shape the loaf on parchment paper or in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add glaze before baking.
Feel free to add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste: customize the spices in your meatloaf to reflect your tastes!
Make these other main dish recipes at home:
- Roasted Cornish Hens are a great main dish, stuffed with vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Just add rice and serve!
- This Spaghetti Squash Recipe comes with an irresistible creamy sauce. Serve with a tasty protein pairing.
- Seared Salmon served in a Butter Sauce is always a dinner table showstopper!
Try these other beef recipes
If you tried this Homemade Meatloaf Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
How to Make Meatloaf At Home
Ingredients
- 1 kg ground beef
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp ground paprika
- ⅓ tsp chili flakes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs Note 1?*
- 1 large onion grated
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
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Combine all of the ingredients for the meatloaf in a large bowl and mix to combine.1 kg ground beef, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp ground paprika, ⅓ tsp chili flakes, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 large onion, 2 eggs, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup tomato ketchup, 1 tsp black pepper
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Form a 8"x4" loaf on the baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can also use a greased loaf pan.
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Combine and mix the ingredients for a glaze, brush the half of it onto the loaf and bake for 40 minutes.⅓ cup ketchup, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
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Remove from the oven and spread the rest of the glaze on top. Bake for 20 more minutes.
Notes
- Multitask with roasted broccoli on the side. Broccoli roasts quickly atop a separate sheet pan in the same oven!