It’s made with lean ground beef, a handful of seasonings, onions, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs. Then, it’s baked in the oven with a tasty zesty topping. Below are my favorite tips for a homemade meatloaf that will have everyone asking for seconds. Did your family love this meatloaf recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and review below!
Ingredients for a Classic Meatloaf
Ground beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Breadcrumbs: These help the meatloaf hold together and give it the right texture. Italian or seasoned breadcrumbs have extra flavor, but Panko bread crumbs will work too.Eggs: These help bind the meatloaf so it doesn’t fall apart when you cut it.Onions: Chopped onions add extra flavor to the meatloaf, pre-cooking them makes sure the flavor isn’t too strong.Seasonings: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor while Italian seasoning are savory and aromatic. Of course, salt and pepper are essential for any recipe, and they help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
In this sauce for meatloaf, I use a combination of chili sauce and ketchup (just like my mom always made) and a pinch of brown sugar. Chili sauce is not spicy, it tastes like a very zesty ketchup with more tang and less sweetness. (Find chili sauce near the ketchup at the store). You can also make homemade chili sauce. Mixed with ketchup, it creates a beautiful topping. (It’s also great mixed 50/50 with BBQ sauce for burgers and ribs). If you don’t have chili sauce, use extra ketchup or even a bit of BBQ sauce if you’d like.
Meat: You can add ½ pound lean ground pork in place of some of the beef or try 1 pound ground beef mixed with 1 pound ground turkey (cook to 165°F if adding turkey).Seasonings: Add seasonings like garlic powder (1 tsp), Worcestershire sauce (1 tbs), or some chopped and cooked green bell pepperBrown Sugar Meatloaf Glaze: Use equal parts brown sugar and ketchup with 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar to make a meatloaf glaze in place of the topping below.Brown Gravy: Skip the meatloaf topping altogether and serve it with brown gravy instead (homemade, leftover, or packaged).
More Comfort Food Favorites
Spaghetti and Meatballs – Family favoriteBraised Beef Short RibsGround Beef Stroganoff (Hamburger) – Quick and easy!Shepherd’s Pie RecipeMushroom Salisbury Steak – Ground beef in a delicious mushroom gravyMississippi Pot RoastEasy Homemade Lasagna
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