What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade meatloaf recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table with every bite. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and turns out juicy and delicious every time. First, it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or add-ins like cheese or veggies. Second, the tangy glaze on top adds a sweet and savory touch that’s irresistible. And finally, it’s perfect for leftovers—slices taste even better the next day in sandwiches!
Recipe
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. This hearty dish, made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings, is simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners or leftovers. The savory meatloaf is topped with a tangy glaze that adds a delightful finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a moist and tender meatloaf, avoid overmixing the ingredients. You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground beef if desired.
Equipment
Large mixing bowl, loaf pan, small bowl, oven
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Cuisine
American
Serving
Serves 6
Nutrition
This homemade meatloaf is a hearty and nutritious dish. It provides a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade meatloaf with hearty mashed potatoes, as their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the savory loaf. A fresh garden salad on the side adds a crisp, invigorating balance to the meal. These sides make the dish feel complete and comforting, every time.
Hearty Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to pairing homemade meatloaf, hearty mashed potatoes are a classic choice that’ll make your meal complete. I love how creamy, buttery potatoes balance the savory flavors of meatloaf. To make them, I boil peeled potatoes until tender, mash them with butter, warm milk, and a pinch of salt, then whip them smooth. Sometimes, I add garlic or sour cream for extra richness. They’re easy to prepare, and leftovers reheat well. Whether you’re serving family or friends, mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that feels comforting and familiar. Trust me, they’re the perfect side to elevate your meatloaf dinner!
Fresh Garden Salad
For a fresh and vibrant addition to your meatloaf dinner, a garden salad works wonders. I love tossing crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a handful of shredded carrots—it’s like a bite of summer on your plate. A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt ties it all together. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of cheese or croutons for extra crunch. It’s light enough to balance the richness of the meatloaf but still satisfying. Trust me, this combo never gets old, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!
