Best Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This best meatloaf recipe is a comforting classic that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. Made with ground beef and pork, fresh vegetables, and a tasty tomato glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

• 2 whole large eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 slices bread (torn into pieces)
• 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup carrot (grated)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350º F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk and torn bread pieces. Let sit for a few minutes until the bread absorbs the liquid.
3. Step 3: Add chopped onion, grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, salt, thyme, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix until combined.
4. Step 4: Add ground beef and ground pork. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and place the meat mixture into the pan. Press down to shape the meatloaf.
6. Step 6: Turn the loaf pan over onto a foil-lined baking sheet and carefully remove the plastic wrap.
7. Step 7: Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
8. Step 8: While baking, combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the topping. Spoon the topping over the meatloaf after 45 minutes, then bake for an additional 30 minutes until the meatloaf is no longer pink inside. Baste with topping again after 15 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a more tender meatloaf, soak the bread in milk and eggs as directed—it helps keep the meat moist.
• You can swap ground pork with ground veal or turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Try adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
• If you prefer a glaze with a bit of tang, try mixing ketchup with a splash of Worcestershire sauce instead of the tomato sauce topping.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover slices with foil and warm in the oven at 350º F for about 15 minutes or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it in the pan a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake whenever you’re ready.

How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?

The meatloaf is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 160º F. Also, it should no longer be pink in the center and juices should run clear.

Best Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Meatloaf recipe combines lean ground beef and pork with a savory mix of vegetables, cheese, and herbs, baked to juicy perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Mixture

• 2 whole large eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 slices bread (torn into pieces)
• 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup carrot (grated)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork

Topping

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare Bread Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and torn bread pieces. Let them sit for a few minutes until the bread absorbs all the liquid, creating a moist base for the meatloaf.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped onion, grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
4. Combine Meat: Add the lean ground beef and ground pork to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
5. Shape Meatloaf: Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and press the meat mixture into the pan, shaping it evenly into a loaf.
6. Invert Loaf: Place a foil-lined baking sheet on the counter, then carefully turn the loaf pan upside down to release the meatloaf onto the baking sheet. Remove the plastic wrap gently.
7. Bake Initial: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to set the shape and start cooking through.
8. Prepare and Apply Topping: While baking, combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the topping. After the first 45 minutes of baking, spoon this topping evenly over the meatloaf. Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting with topping again halfway through to enhance flavor and moisture.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Notes

• Using a mix of ground beef and pork adds extra juiciness and flavor.
• Letting the bread soak in the egg and milk mixture helps keep the meatloaf moist.
• Basting the meatloaf with topping during baking helps lock in moisture and intensify the glaze flavor.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing ensures it does not fall apart.
• You can add herbs like thyme and fresh parsley for enhanced taste and aroma.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: meatloaf recipe, classic meatloaf, baked meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe