Best Meatloaf Recipe

Posted Feb 26, 2021, Updated Oct 17, 2023

5 from 107 votes

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This is the best meatloaf recipe ever! It’s tender, moist and flavorful with the most delicious glaze. This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic that your whole family will love! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make meatloaf!

overhead view of the best meatloaf cut into slices on a serving platter

We love meatloaf in our house, and this is the best meatloaf recipe ever! It’s tender, moist and flavorful with the most delicious glaze.

This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic that your whole family will love! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make meatloaf!

front view of two slices of the Best Meatloaf on a plate with beans and mashed potatoes

Meatloaf Recipe: Ingredients & substitutions

Let’s discuss the ingredients in this meatloaf recipe, as well as possible substitutions.

Ground beef. Ground turkey can be use for all or half of the ground beef for a leaner version.
Bread Crumbs. I explain how to make your own breadcrumbs (so easy) in the recipe, you can substitute quick-cooking oats for the breadcrumbs but it will slightly effect the texture.
Onion. any onion variety works well, sweet onions, red, yellow, white, etc.
Milk. We use whole milk, but any variety works well. The higher the fat content the better. Half and half and heavy cream can be used too.
BBQ Sauce. Choose your favorite variety. We love using a bold and slightly sweet sauce.
Worcestershire sauce. If you don’t have any Worcestershire sauce on hand, simply increase the barbecue sauce by 2 TBS.
Minced garlic. freshly roasted and crushed garlic can be used in place of store-bought minced garlic. You can also substitute 1 tsp garlic powder for 1 TBS minced garlic.
Light brown sugar. dark brown sugar can be used in place of light.

overhead photo of the ingredients in this Best Meatloaf Recipe

How to make Meatloaf

Let’s walk through the steps together as I show you how to make meatloaf, and don’t forget to watch the video!

Make the glaze topping

The first step in this meatloaf recipe (after preheating the oven, of course), is making the glaze. It’s good to make it and set it aside so it’s ready to go when needed. It’s easy to make, just whisk the ingredients together and set it aside to use later.

two overhead photos showing How to Make Meatloaf

Combine wet ingredients

Next, to ensure even distribution throughout the ground beef mixture, whisk together the wet ingredients in a large bowl.

Add remaining ingredients

Once the wet mixture is smooth, add the meat, onions and bread crumbs and stir until combined.

Prepare a metal rack

Line a wire rack with aluminum foil and poke holes in it, then place it on a large baking sheet. I far prefer to bake my meatloaf this way (rather than in a loaf pan). Baking it on a wire rack with holes in it allows the fat to drain off (instead of getting trapped in the loaf pan). It also means there is more of an outer surface area for the sauce to stick to, which is the best part!

Form the Meatloaf

Form the meatloaf mixture into a large loaf – about 10” by 5” by 2″ and place it in the center of the wire rack.

Bake

Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes until the top starts looking slightly browned and set.

Add the glaze & bake/broil

After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the glaze on top and bake for 10 more minutes or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

If necessary, broil for the 2-4 minutes to caramelize the top. I love doing this because it makes the top nice and crisp.

Let cool & Serve

Let this easy meatloaf recipe cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Serving suggestions

This best meatloaf recipe deserves to be served with the best sides! Here are some of our favorites:

Mashed potatoes. these herby, garlicky mashed potatoes are the best ever.
Serve with a side of these crispy oven roasted potatoes or homemade french fries!
Green beans. a side of these roasted green beans or these sautéed green beans pair perfectly with this easy meatloaf recipe.
Roasted vegetables. I adore roasted vegetables, try any of these: roasted broccoli, roasted carrots, balsamic roasted vegetables, balsamic roasted Brussel sprouts, and roasted Brussel sprouts with bacon.
Salad. A side salad pairs perfectly with this best meatloaf recipe. Try this burrata salad, Brussel sprout salad, quinoa salad or this coleslaw!
Bread. fresh, warm homemade bread is a perfect side dish to this easy meatloaf. try this no knead bread, homemade dinner rolls, pretzel bread, and this amazing cornbread.

How to store meatloaf

Store this meatloaf recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

front view of slices of the Best Meatloaf Recipe on a platter

FAQs about Meatloaf

How do you make meatloaf not dry?

In this recipe, milk, BBQ sauce and egg adds moisture to the meatloaf so it is not dry. Also, make sure to use a thermometer to test for doneness to avoid over-baking (and thus, drying out) the meatloaf.

Can you freeze meatloaf?

Yes! I recommend freezing this meatloaf recipe in individual slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, remove from the freezer and warm in the microwave or covered in the oven.

What does milk do in meatloaf?

The milk acts as a binding agent along with the eggs. It soaks into the breadcrumbs and keeps the loaf held together and moist.

Should I cover meatloaf when baking?

In this recipe the meatloaf is baked uncovered to brown and crisp the outside.

What is the best binder for meatloaf?

A combination of eggs and bread crumbs/milk.

two slices of meatloaf on a plate with a fork taking a bite

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