Inroduction

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

By: Edina Sznida

This easy meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food—a classic dish that combines hearty ingredients with simple preparation to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners, this homemade meatloaf recipe is packed with flavor, featuring a tender mix of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a sweet and tangy ketchup-glazed topping.

Why This Moist and Flavorful Meatloaf Recipe is a Timeless Classic

If you’ve been searching for the best meatloaf recipe, look no further. This moist meatloaf recipe delivers every time, thanks to a careful balance of seasonings and the use of milk-soaked bread crumbs, which ensure a tender texture in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of traditional meatloaf or want to try something a little different, this dish offers versatility and ease, making it ideal for any home cook.

Meatloaf has been a staple in American dinner recipes for decades, loved for its hearty flavor and no-fuss preparation. This oven-baked meat loaf is a modern take on the classic, blending simple ingredients with a rich, caramelized glaze that elevates it to a hearty main course fit for any occasion.

The combination of ground meat, flavorful seasonings, and a perfectly baked finish makes this recipe a must-try for anyone craving the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner idea, this beef recipe is sure to please.

Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With this recipe for meatloaf, you’ll master the art of creating a timeless dish that’s as at home in casual dinners as it is on festive tables.

Try this easy meatloaf recipe today and discover why this ground meat dish remains a beloved classic across generations. Perfectly moist, full of flavor, and topped with a glossy glaze, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your collection of family dinner recipes.

Tips for the Best and Easiest Meatloaf Recipe

Creating the best meatloaf recipe is all about the right balance of ingredients and techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your easy meatloaf recipe turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Fresh Ground Beef: High-quality ground beef is the foundation of any good meatloaf. Choose meat with a little fat for extra flavor and tenderness.

2. Soak the Bread: For a moist meatloaf, soak your breadcrumbs or dry bread in milk. This keeps the meatloaf tender and prevents it from drying out in the oven.

3. Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender.

4. Flavor with Seasonings: A mix of fresh and dried herbs, like Italian seasoning, parsley, and thyme, brings out the best in this ground meat dish.

5. Create a Flavorful Glaze: A ketchup-glazed meatloaf with a touch of mustard, vinegar, and sugar gives a sweet and tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the savory meat.

6. Cook Evenly: Use a loaf pan or shape the meatloaf into an even log on a baking sheet. This ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly and maintains its structure.

7. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the oven-baked meatloaf to rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and makes it easier to cut.

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:

  • 400 g (14 oz) ground beef
  • 50 g (2 oz) pancetta, diced (optional but highly recommended)
  • 40 g (1.4 oz) dried bread or panko crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • Milk, as needed for soaking bread
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary, sage, and basil, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano and thyme (or 1 tbsp Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or canola oil)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• For the Glaze:

  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp mustard (or a mix of BBQ spice, salt, and pepper)
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • A pinch of sugar

Storage

Once you’ve made your delicious homemade meatloaf, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture for later meals. Here are some simple storage tips to keep your moist meatloaf fresh:

1. Refrigeration:
   Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored in the fridge, your oven-baked meatloaf will last for up to 3–4 days.

2. Freezing:
   If you want to make your meatloaf ahead of time or have leftovers, freezing is a great option. To freeze, let the meatloaf cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Alternatively, you can slice it first and freeze individual portions. Frozen meatloaf can be stored for up to 2–3 months.

3. Reheating:
   To reheat your meatloaf, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen, or simply heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for a quicker option. For a nice glaze, apply a bit more ketchup or your favorite topping before reheating.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy your classic meatloaf long after it’s been cooked—whether it’s a comfort food dinner for the next day or a convenient meal on the go!