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    Home » Recipes by Ingredient » Beef Recipes » Best Meatloaf Recipe

    Best Meatloaf Recipe

    Published: Jan 10, 2023 by seekinggoodeats · This post may contain affiliate links

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    pinterest pin with sliced meatloaf served on a white plate.
    pinterest pin with sliced meatloaf served on a white plate.

    Simply the best meatloaf recipe! You'll love this flavorful and easy classic meatloaf recipe that's been elevated with healthy an homemade onion soup mix and a delicious topping. If there is any left, this makes fabulous leftover meatloaf sandwiches!

    Sliced meatloaf on a white plate garnished with parsley.
    Jump to:
    • 🎥 Recipe Video
    • Why You'll ❤️ Classic Meatloaf Recipe
    • 🥘 What You'll Need
    • 🔪 How To Make It
    • 🥗 How To Serve It
    • 📖 Variations
    • 💭 Top Tips
    • ❓FAQs
    • ✔️ More Ground Beef Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe

    🎥 Recipe Video

    Why You'll ❤️ Classic Meatloaf Recipe

    "This is my grandmother's classic meatloaf recipe that I've been making for years! There is just something so comforting about it. It's super easy to make, and the leftovers make a fabulous sandwich!"

    So many ways to make meatloaf! Be sure to try this Italian Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe or Big Mac Meatloaf. If you another easy recipe - make this stove top stuffing meatloaf.

    7 Ingredients

    There are only 7 ingredients in this recipe - including the topping! The meatloaf itself is just ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, ketchup, onion soup mix, and a little water. The topping is just ketchup mixed with brown sugar - so SO good!

    Simple and Delicious

    This recipe is straightforward and so easy to follow. Mix all the meatloaf ingredients together and transfer to a loaf pan to bake. Top with the delicious ketchup and brown sugar mixture and bake for 1 hour.

    Healthy

    This easy meatloaf recipe is low carb and can be adjusted for keto and gluten-free easily by using a brown sugar substitute and gluten-free keto bread crumbs! Use low-fat or lean protein to cut down the fat content as well. An easy family dinner for busy weeknights!

    🥘 What You'll Need

    Here are the ingredients you will need to make the best meatloaf recipe:

    Onion Soup Mix - If you are able, make your own soup mix, it's wonderful and has a little more flavor than the store-bought packets. If you want to use a packet, the meatloaf will still be delicious!

    Ground Beef - I use an 80/20 blend, but you can purchase lean ground beef if preferred.

    Bread Crumbs - you can use any style you like, I use what I have on hand, like Italian, seasoned, or plain.

    Eggs

    Water

    Ketchup - any brand or kind of ketchup will work.

    Brown Sugar - use regular, dark, or a brown sugar substitute.

    For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

    🔪 How To Make It

    Here are the step-by-step instructions for making the best meatloaf recipe:

    Make the Meatloaf

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

    Add onion soup mix, ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, water, and ketchup in a large bowl.

    Stir together until well incorporated

    Transfer To Baking Dish

    Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a baking dish and shape it into a loaf.

    Topping

    Make the topping by mixing ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl.

    Spread over the top of the meatloaf.

    Bake

    Bake for 1 hour or until the center of the loaf reaches 160 degrees F with an instant-read thermometer. Remove and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

    🥗 How To Serve It

    Here are a few ways to serve the best meatloaf recipe:

    Serve with this easy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Crock Pot recipe! Or, keep it healthy with these Buttery Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes.

    Serve with your favorite vegetables, such as Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Carrots, or simple Microwave Cauliflower.

    Leftover idea! Make meatloaf grilled cheese sandwiches! Make a standard grilled cheese sandwich with your favorite cheese, and add a slice of meatloaf. Make extra topping sauce and use it as a dipping sauce for your meatloaf grilled cheese. It is SO good!

    📖 Variations

    Here are a few ways you can vary or make substitutions to this recipe:

    • Use a leaner blend of ground beef or a 50/50 blend of beef, turkey, or pork.
    • Add spices or herbs to your meatloaf, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, or heat with crushed red pepper and chipotle powder or add some hot sauce to your topping mixture if you'd like!
    • Use your favorite bbq sauce in place of the ketchup in this recipe. You could use a sugar-free bbq sauce to reduce the sugar content.

    💭 Top Tips

    Best tips for making the best meatloaf recipe:

    • Use a foil-lined baking pan using aluminum foil to make removing the meatloaf from the pan easier!
    • Don't have a loaf pan? You can use a baking sheet! Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for non-stick and easy cleanup. Shape your meatloaf mixture into loaves onto the baking sheet and bake as listed above.
    • Make extra meatloaf topping for those who want to dip their meatloaf in the extra sauce!

    ❓FAQs

    How To Store

    Allow your meatloaf to cool and transfer it to an air-tight container for storage in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    How To Reheat

    Place your leftovers into a microwave or air fryer and heat on high until your meatloaf has been reheated to your preferred temperature. For the safest results, reheat to 165 degrees or more using an instant-read thermometer.

    How To Freeze

    Cool the leftover meatloaf and place it into an airtight container or freezer bag, and store it for up to 3 months.

    What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

    Higher fat content is the best way to moisten meatloaf. Using ground beef with a higher percentage of fat is the easiest way. Otherwise, it is suggested to add ground pork, veal, or bacon to your meatloaf to add extra fat. I have found that adding an extra egg to your meatloaf recipe can add to its moisture content as well.

    Should I cover my meatloaf when I put it into the oven?

    You don't have to cover meatloaf before you put it in the oven (unless a recipe tells you to). Some recipes ask you to cover it with aluminum foil before you put it into the oven and then remove the aluminum foil before the meatloaf has finished cooking.

    What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

    Eggs and breadcrumbs are the two main ingredients that bind and hold the meatloaf together during the cooking process.

    ✔️ More Ground Beef Recipes

    If you are looking for more delicious ground beef recipe, check these out:

    • Baked Beans With Ground Beef
    • Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
    • Creamy Beef Taco Soup
    • Frozen Meatballs Recipe
    • Italian Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe
    • Frikadeller (Danish Meatballs)

    If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give it a 5-star rating and/or a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please share photos of your creations with me and others on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Don't forget to tag #seekinggoodeats

    📋 Recipe

    Ketchup and brown sugar sauce coat sliced of cooked meatloaf on a white platter.

    Classic Meatloaf Recipe

    This delicious meatloaf is the best! It's easy to make and the sauce on top is delicious.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Author Kori
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
    Course Beef Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 385 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    Meatloaf

    • 1 recipe or package onion soup mix
    • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
    • ¾ cup dry bread crumbs
    • 2 large eggs
    • ¾ cup water
    • ⅓ cup ketchup

    Topping

    • ¼ cup ketchup
    • ¼ cup brown sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
    • Mix onion soup mix, ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, water, and ketchup in a large bowl.
    • Transfer the mixture to pan and shape into a loaf.
    • Make the topping by mixing ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl. Spread over the top of the meatloaf.
    • Bake for 1 hour or until the center of the loaf reaches 160°F. Remove from oven and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
    • TOP TIPS: Line the bottom of the dish with a layer of foil to easily lift the meatloaf out of the pan after cooking. 
    • SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with mashed potatoes and a side of air fried green beans or brussel sprouts.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 22gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 127mgSodium: 179mgPotassium: 344mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 68IUVitamin C: 0.004mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 3mg

    © 2023 Seeking Good Eats™

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    Hello! I'm Kori and I am a food LOVER. I've had a lifelong passion for cooking and eating (of course)! At some point that catches up with you, right? Older and wiser, I now watch what I eat more closely. What's the hardest and most frustrating part? Finding recipes that are healthy, easy to make, AND taste great.

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