Homestyle Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Savory Glaze (Print Version)

Discover our easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe. Tender, flavorful, and topped with a tangy glaze, it's comfort food perfect for any weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 65 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy (optional for milk)

# Ingredients:

→ Meatloaf Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck)
02 - 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
05 - 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Tangy Glaze

11 - 1/2 cup ketchup
12 - 2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
13 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

→ Optional Extras

14 - A few slices of bacon for topping
15 - Shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy center

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, grab a large bowl. Finely dice your yellow onion and mince that garlic. In the bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating a flavorful base for our Classic Meatloaf Recipe. I usually get a little whiff of that Worcestershire, and I know we're on the right track. Don't worry if it looks a bit messy, that's just real cooking!
02 - Now, add your Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the wet mixture. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This little pause allows the breadcrumbs to really soak up all that lovely liquid, which is crucial for a moist meatloaf. I've definitely rushed this step before, and the result was a slightly less tender loaf, so trust me, let those crumbs get happy. This is a key step for a truly tender Classic Meatloaf Recipe.
03 - Next, add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the bowl. Now, here's the trick: mix gently! Overmixing is the enemy of a tender meatloaf; it makes it tough. Use your hands – it's the best tool for this, honestly. Just mix until everything is just combined, no more. You don't want to squeeze the life out of the meat. I always feel a bit like a sculptor at this point, shaping something delicious.
04 - Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper (my personal preference for easy cleanup!). Transfer your meat mixture to the prepared sheet and shape it into a loaf, roughly 9x5 inches. Don't make it too tall or too wide; you want it to cook evenly. I usually pat it down gently, making sure there are no huge cracks. This is where your Classic Meatloaf Recipe starts to take its iconic shape, smelling faintly of garlic and herbs already.
05 - Pop the meatloaf into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. While it's doing its thing, let's get that glaze ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. This glaze is what gives our Classic Meatloaf Recipe that irresistible tangy-sweet crust. I always give it a little taste test here – sometimes I add a tiny bit more brown sugar if I'm feeling extra sweet, or more vinegar if I want a sharper tang.
06 - After 45 minutes, pull the meatloaf out of the oven. Carefully brush that glorious glaze all over the top and sides. Now, back into the oven it goes for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. The smell filling your kitchen right now? That's pure comfort, friends. Once it's done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is crucial for juicy slices of your Classic Meatloaf Recipe!

# Notes:

01 - Always let your meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; I learned the hard way that slicing too early leads to dry, crumbly slices.
02 - Leftover meatloaf stores beautifully in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge, making it a great meal-prep option.
03 - If you don't have Panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but use a little less and expect a slightly denser texture.
04 - Serving with creamy mashed potatoes and a simple green salad makes this Classic Meatloaf Recipe a complete, comforting meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - Baking sheet
03 - Small bowl
04 - Whisk
05 - Meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 28g

Back