How to Make Classic Meatloaf: A Step-by-Step Guide
Meatloaf is one of the most classic comfort foods. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish for a small gathering, meatloaf is a great option that everyone will love. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make classic meatloaf in simple steps. With this easy recipe, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meatloaf on the table in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make classic meatloaf, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
- Ground beef (2 pounds): The main ingredient. You can use lean ground beef, but some fat adds flavor.
- Bread crumbs (1 cup): These help bind the meatloaf and give it structure.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Eggs (2): They act as a binder to hold everything together.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds flavor and a little texture to the meatloaf.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A classic ingredient for extra flavor.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds tanginess to the mixture and helps coat the meatloaf for a great glaze.
- Mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a slight zing to balance the sweetness of the ketchup.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): For seasoning.
- Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of spice.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Combines with ketchup to create the perfect sweet glaze.
These ingredients are easy to find, and if you don’t have something, you can swap it for a similar ingredient (e.g., use breadcrumbs instead of oats or skip the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet glaze).
Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- A large mixing bowl
- A loaf pan (or you can free-form the meatloaf and bake it on a sheet pan)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A spoon for mixing
- A knife and cutting board for chopping the onion and garlic
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, you can start prepping your ingredients.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly using a spoon, or better yet, your hands. Don’t overmix—you just want everything combined evenly without making the meat dense.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to a loaf pan. Press it down gently to shape into an even loaf that is about the size of the pan. If you’re not using a loaf pan, you can form the meat mixture into a mound or a rectangular shape directly on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and brown sugar together. You can also add an extra teaspoon of mustard or Worcestershire sauce if you want a more complex flavor. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf with a spoon or spatula. The glaze will caramelize as it bakes, giving the meatloaf a beautiful finish.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center of the meatloaf and make sure there’s no pink meat left; it should be fully cooked.
6. Let It Rest
Once the meatloaf is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf tender and flavorful.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad go perfectly with meatloaf.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf
- Don’t skip the glaze: The ketchup and brown sugar topping adds sweetness and keeps the meatloaf moist as it bakes.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onion and garlic add the best flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder.
- Get creative: If you want to switch things up, try adding shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic meatloaf is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s simple, affordable, and delicious, making it the perfect dish for a quick dinner or meal prep for the week. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day—just reheat a slice or tuck it into a sandwich for lunch.
So now that you have the recipe, why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a homemade meal that’s sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces.
Happy cooking!
