Best Meatloaf Recipe

This Ultimate Comfort Food – Best Meatloaf Recipe is a perfect blend of tender beef, savory seasonings, and a zesty topping that caramelizes beautifully while baking. The combination of lean ground beef, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, and the richness of sautéed onions creates a juicy, flavorful loaf. The addition of a chili sauce and ketchup glaze adds a tangy finish that gives this dish a comforting yet elevated taste. Whether served with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or roasted vegetables, this meatloaf is a nostalgic favorite. Easily customizable with pork or turkey, it’s an easy, satisfying meal that feels like home.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

½ medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon butter
2 eggs
¾ cup milk
¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20)
1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper

Meatloaf Sauce

½ cup chili sauce
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray.
In a small pan, melt the butter and sauté the diced onions over medium-low heat until softened (about 5–7 minutes). Let the onions cool completely.
In a medium bowl, mix the eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the milk.
Add the ground beef, cooled onions, ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Shape the meat mixture into an 8″x4″ loaf and place it on the prepared baking pan. Bake for 40 minutes.
While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the sauce: mix the chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar (if using) in a small bowl.
After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf and spread the sauce over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Optional: Broil the meatloaf for 1–2 minutes for a caramelized top.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 403 kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 633mg
Potassium: 511mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 11g
Vitamin A: 411 IU
Vitamin C: 6mg
Calcium: 88mg
Iron: 3mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

While there are countless meatloaf variations, this particular recipe excels because it hits all the right notes:

Moist and Juicy Texture: One of the biggest complaints about meatloaf is dryness. By soaking seasoned breadcrumbs in milk and adding sautéed onions, this recipe locks in moisture without becoming soggy. The eggs act as a binder, and lean ground beef provides the perfect foundation for a tender result.
Rich Flavor Profile: Italian seasoning, parsley, sautéed onions, and a bit of chili sauce or ketchup infuse the loaf with layered flavor. Nothing is overpowering—each ingredient complements the other, resulting in a well-rounded taste.
Tangy Caramelized Glaze: The finishing touch is a glaze made from ketchup, chili sauce, and brown sugar. It’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy depending on the chili sauce used. When broiled at the end, it creates a sticky, flavorful crust that adds texture and visual appeal.
Versatility: This recipe provides a great base for experimentation. Swap beef for turkey or pork, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, or change up the spices to suit different cuisines.

Serving Suggestions

A great meatloaf deserves equally comforting and flavorful sides. Here are a few tried-and-true accompaniments that turn this dish into a memorable meal:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with butter and garlic are a classic pairing that complement the savory flavors of the meatloaf beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans roasted with olive oil and herbs offer a healthy contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.
Macaroni and Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food spread, pair meatloaf with baked mac and cheese. The contrast of cheesy pasta and tangy meatloaf glaze is irresistible.
Salad and Bread: A fresh side salad and crusty bread balance out the meal, providing crunch and freshness to contrast the hearty main dish.
Leftover Ideas: Meatloaf sandwiches are legendary. Slice cold meatloaf and serve it between thick slices of sourdough or brioche with a bit of extra sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles for an incredible lunch.

Variations for Dietary Needs

One of the beauties of meatloaf is how adaptable it is to different diets and preferences. Here are a few ways to tailor the recipe:

Low-Carb / Keto: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats and double-check your chili sauce and ketchup labels for hidden gluten.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond or oat milk, and make sure your breadcrumbs are dairy-free.
Vegetarian / Vegan: While this version is meat-based, lentils, chickpeas, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) can be used to create plant-based meatloaf versions. Binding agents like flax eggs and dairy-free milk can be substituted easily.
Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture, or use a spicy chili sauce for the glaze to give the meatloaf some heat.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix gently and only until everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, rubbery texture.
Use a Thermometer: For food safety and perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. The center of the loaf should read 160°F (71°C).
Let it Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the slices intact.
Double the Sauce: If you’re a fan of extra glaze, consider making a double batch and serving some on the side for dipping.
Broil for Finish: A quick broil at the end caramelizes the glaze and gives a visually stunning finish with a slight crisp.

Why We Keep Coming Back to Meatloaf

There’s something inherently comforting about meatloaf. It’s not flashy or complicated, but it’s deeply satisfying. For many, it’s tied to childhood memories—mom’s Sunday dinner, grandma’s secret recipe, or the first meal cooked in a new apartment. It’s a dish that doesn’t try to impress, yet always delivers.

This particular meatloaf recipe brings together the best elements of tradition and flavor enhancement. It respects the classic method while introducing small upgrades that elevate the dish to something worth sharing. The soft interior, the aromatic seasonings, and the sticky-sweet glaze all work together to create something that feels familiar yet a bit more special.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings warmth and joy to the table, this Ultimate Comfort Food – Best Meatloaf Recipe is it. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and full of nostalgic charm. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing weekly meal preps, or simply indulging in a cozy dinner at home, this meatloaf fits the bill.

As with all great comfort foods, the best meatloaf isn’t just about taste—it’s about the feeling it gives you. And this one? It tastes like home.

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