Meatballs & Meatloaf

Classic Beef Meatloaf

Name: Classic Beef Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup (60g) ketchup; 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugar; 1 tsp (5g) Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Sam Carter · June 18, 2026 · Meatballs & Meatloaf

Prep20 min

Cook45 min

Total65 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a classic beef meatloaf for my family. It was a weeknight, and I was looking for something hearty and comforting that would please everyone. I had all the ingredients on hand, and it turned out to be a huge hit. The combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, and a sweet and tangy glaze was absolute perfection.

Over the years, I've made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. It's one of those dishes that's greater than the sum of its parts, and it's perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something that's easy to prepare and will satisfy everyone's hunger.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad. And the best part is that it's easy to make ahead of time, so you can prep it in the morning and have it ready to go when you need it.

If you're looking for a classic comfort food recipe that's sure to become a family favorite, look no further. This beef meatloaf is a staple in our house, and I know it will be in yours too. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

I've included all the tips and tricks I've learned over the years to make this recipe a success, from browning the beef properly to getting the glaze just right. So don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own – and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need any substitutions or variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The beef meatloaf is tender and juicy, with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds extra flavor.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding different ingredients, such as diced onions or chopped bell peppers, to the glaze.
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made for under $10, making it a great option for families or large groups.
The beef meatloaf can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe is a classic comfort food dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great beef meatloaf is to cook it low and slow, so the meat stays moist and tender. This recipe uses a combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, and a sweet and tangy glaze to create a flavor that's both rich and balanced.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when making a beef meatloaf is to not overmix the meat. This can make the meatloaf dense and tough, rather than light and tender. Instead, mix the ingredients just until they come together, and then stop mixing.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to use the right type of ground beef. I like to use a combination of 80/20 and 70/30 ground beef, as this gives the meatloaf a nice balance of flavor and texture. You can also use other types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground pork, if you prefer.

Finally, the glaze is what really makes this recipe special. It's a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, and it adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meatloaf that's just perfect. You can adjust the amount of glaze to your taste, and you can also add other ingredients, such as diced onions or chopped bell peppers, to give it extra flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this classic beef meatloaf, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, onions, garlic, and a sweet and tangy glaze. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality ground beef that's at least 80% lean. You'll also want to use fresh onions and garlic, as these will add the most flavor to the dish. For the glaze, you can use a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, or you can make your own glaze using ingredients like honey, mustard, and vinegar.

1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20I like to use a combination of 80/20 and 70/30 ground beef, as this gives the meatloaf a nice balance of flavor and texture. You can also use other types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground pork, if you prefer.
1 medium onion, finely choppedFresh onions are essential for this recipe, as they add a sweet and savory flavor to the meatloaf. You can also use dried onions or onion powder if you prefer.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a rich and savory flavor to the meatloaf. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 eggThe egg helps to bind the meatloaf together and add moisture to the dish. You can also use egg replacers, such as flaxseed or chia seeds, if you're looking for a vegan option.
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbsBreadcrumbs help to add texture and structure to the meatloaf, and they also help to absorb excess moisture. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
1/4 cup (60g) ketchupKetchup is a key ingredient in the glaze, as it adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of sauce, such as barbecue sauce or hot sauce, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich and caramel-like flavor to the glaze, and it also helps to balance out the acidity of the ketchup. You can also use white sugar or honey if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) Worcestershire sauceWorcestershire sauce is a key ingredient in the glaze, as it adds a savory and umami flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of sauce, such as soy sauce or fish sauce, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the dish. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, depending on your preference.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper helps to add a spicy and aromatic flavor to the dish, and it also helps to balance out the sweetness of the glaze. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or cayenne pepper, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the onions and garlic, and it also helps to add moisture to the dish. You can also use other types of oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerMeatloaf pan or loaf panOven mittsWhiskMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Classic Beef Meatloaf

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they're translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked onions and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until they're just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5
Transfer the meat mixture to a meatloaf pan or loaf pan, and shape it into a loaf shape.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze.
7
Brush the glaze all over the meatloaf, making sure to coat it evenly.
8
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
9
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
10
While the meatloaf is resting, you can make a side dish, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, to serve alongside it.
11
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with your choice of sides. You can also serve it with additional glaze, if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
You can customize the glaze to your taste by adding different ingredients, such as diced onions or chopped bell peppers.
You can also make the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it.
To add extra flavor to the meatloaf, you can add other ingredients, such as chopped bacon or diced ham, to the meat mixture.
To make the meatloaf more moist, you can add a little bit of milk or cream to the meat mixture.
To make the glaze more spicy, you can add a little bit of hot sauce, such as sriracha or hot sauce, to the glaze.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Not cooking the meatloaf to a safe internal temperature, which can make it unsafe to eat.
Not letting the meatloaf rest for long enough, which can make it dry and tough.
Using low-quality ground beef, which can make the meatloaf taste bland and unappetizing.
Not using enough glaze, which can make the meatloaf taste dry and flavorless.
Not using a meat thermometer, which can make it difficult to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add different ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped bacon or diced ham, to give it extra flavor.
You can use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground pork, to make the meatloaf.
You can add different ingredients to the glaze, such as diced onions or chopped bell peppers, to give it extra flavor.
You can use different types of sauce, such as barbecue sauce or hot sauce, to make the glaze.
You can add different spices or seasonings, such as paprika or garlic powder, to the meat mixture to give it extra flavor.
You can make the meatloaf in a slow cooker, which can make it easy to cook and convenient to serve.
You can make the meatloaf in a skillet, which can make it easy to cook and convenient to serve.

What to Serve With Classic Beef Meatloaf

This classic beef meatloaf is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with additional glaze, if desired.

Some other ideas for serving the meatloaf include serving it with a side of ketchup or barbecue sauce, or serving it with a side of bread or crackers. You can also serve it with a side of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for an extra-special treat.

Mashed potatoesRoasted vegetablesSimple green saladKetchup or barbecue sauceBread or crackersCheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This classic beef meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. To freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

To reheat the meatloaf, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can make it dry and tough.

It's also a good idea to let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender. You can also serve it with additional glaze, if desired.

In addition to storing and reheating the meatloaf, you can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it. This can be a great way to save time and make the recipe more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe?

I like to use a combination of 80/20 and 70/30 ground beef, as this gives the meatloaf a nice balance of flavor and texture. You can also use other types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground pork, if you prefer.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature. The internal temperature should be at least 160°F (71°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it. This can be a great way to save time and make the recipe more convenient.

What type of glaze should I use for this recipe?

I like to use a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze. You can also use other types of sauce, such as barbecue sauce or hot sauce, if you prefer.

Can I customize this recipe to my taste?

Yes, you can customize this recipe to your taste by adding different ingredients, such as chopped bacon or diced ham, to the meat mixture. You can also use different types of sauce, such as barbecue sauce or hot sauce, to make the glaze.

How do I store and reheat the meatloaf?

You can store the meatloaf in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat it, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply cook the meatloaf on low for 6-8 hours, or until it's cooked through.

Can I make this recipe in a skillet?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a skillet. Simply cook the meatloaf over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until it's cooked through.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe?

Some common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe include overmixing the meat mixture, not cooking the meatloaf to a safe internal temperature, and not letting it rest for long enough. You should also make sure to use high-quality ground beef and to not overcook the meatloaf.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

Some variations you can try with this recipe include adding different ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped bacon or diced ham, or using different types of sauce, such as barbecue sauce or hot sauce, to make the glaze. You can also try making the meatloaf in a slow cooker or skillet, or adding different spices or seasonings to the meat mixture.

The Full Recipe

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