The BEST Meatloaf Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

There’s something so heartwarming about the scent of a hearty meatloaf wafting through the home; it evokes memories of cozy family dinners gathered around the dining table. This isn’t just any meatloaf; this is The BEST Meatloaf Recipe that warms both the belly and the soul. It’s deliciously comforting and packed with flavor, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner after a long day.

Whether you’re sharing stories and laughter with loved ones or savoring it alone as an indulgent treat, this classic dish is a timeless favorite that’s easily customizable. Trust me, you’ll want to pin this one for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just over an hour, this meatloaf is perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: A hearty, satisfying dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for dinner parties or potlucks with family and friends.
Versatile: Simple to customize with different flavors or add-ins to suit your family’s tastes.
Comfort Food: The warm blend of spices and toppings makes each bite feel like a hug!

Gather These Simple Ingredients

For The BEST Meatloaf Recipe, you will need:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
1 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)
1 tsp mustard (for topping)

Let’s Make It Together

Let’s dive into this cozy, comforting feast with these simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure your meatloaf cooks through evenly while achieving that delightful golden brown crust.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, milk, egg, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined—this is where the magic starts!
Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish. Try to be gentle; this helps maintain its tender texture!
For the delicious topping, in a small bowl mix together the 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread this sweet and tangy mixture over the meatloaf, giving it an irresistible glaze.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). I recommend using a meat thermometer to check for the perfect doneness.
Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Patience, my friend; this resting time allows the juices to settle, making each slice wonderfully juicy!

Delicious Variations to Try

Sometimes, it’s fun to shake things up a bit! Here are some creative twists on The BEST Meatloaf Recipe that will surprise your taste buds:

Italian Flavor: Add chopped fresh basil, oregano, and diced tomatoes to the meat mixture for a zesty Italian flair.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your meatloaf a fiery twist.
Cheesy Goodness: Incorporate shredded cheese into the meat mixture or place slices of cheese on top before the last few minutes of baking for a melty finish.
Veggie Delight: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for added nutrition and flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfect every time:

Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Slicing Tricks: Use a serrated knife to slice the meatloaf, which helps prevent it from crumbling apart and gives you nice, clean cuts.
Storage Suggestions: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. Refrigerated, they should keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition Information per Serving

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value:

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 300
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugars: 6g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 500mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about 3-4 days.

How long does it last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months.

A Cozy Closing Note

This Meatloaf Recipe is truly a staple in any home, combining simplicity and comfort in every bite. It’s a dish that invites warmth and family connections, bringing everyone to the table. Whether you are enjoying it fresh from the oven or as a tasty leftover, it never loses its charm.

Save this The BEST Meatloaf Recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s ready for whenever you crave a cozy meal. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always feel like home!

The BEST Meatloaf Recipe

Author: Chef Emma
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Save Recipe

Description

A cozy family favorite meatloaf that is deliciously comforting and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
1 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)
1 tsp mustard (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, milk, egg, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
For the topping, mix together the 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard; spread over the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 300
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: meatloaf, comfort food, family recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal