There’s nothing quite as comforting as the smell of homemade meatloaf baking in the oven. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, this recipe combines simple ingredients with a sweet and tangy glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this meatloaf is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

I first tried this recipe when looking for a dish that reminded me of home, and it didn’t disappoint. Now it’s a staple in my kitchen, often making an appearance alongside creamy mashed potatoes and green beans. Let’s dive into what makes this meatloaf so special!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with this classic comfort food! This easy meatloaf recipe is everything you want in a hearty main dish, and the best glaze takes it to the next level.

First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll nail it on the first try.

The flavor is out of this world. The combination of ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, and seasoning creates a tender loaf that’s perfectly seasoned. The star, however, is the glaze—a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Cleanup is a breeze. This recipe is baked in a single loaf pan, so you won’t be left scrubbing a mountain of dishes after dinner.

Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs (more on that later). Serve it as leftovers in sandwiches, or freeze it for a quick meal down the road.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ground beef: Use an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner meat works but may result in a slightly drier loaf.
Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder, keeping the meatloaf together while adding a soft texture. Panko or regular breadcrumbs both work well.
Onion and garlic: Finely minced onion and garlic give the meatloaf a savory depth. For a milder flavor, sauté the onion before adding it to the mix.
Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients, eggs also contribute to the loaf’s moist texture.
Milk: This helps soften the breadcrumbs, ensuring the meatloaf stays tender.
Ketchup: A key player in both the meatloaf mixture and the glaze, ketchup adds sweetness and moisture.
Brown sugar and vinegar: These ingredients balance the ketchup in the glaze, creating that perfect tangy-sweet finish.

Special Equipment

A standard 9x5-inch loaf pan is ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have one, shape the meat mixture into a loaf and bake it on a rimmed baking sheet instead.

How To Make This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Creating this easy meatloaf recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s how to put it together step by step.

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, and seasonings. Use clean hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
Shape and place: Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan. Press it down lightly to create an even shape.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Spread half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. About 10 minutes before the cooking time is up, spread the remaining glaze over the top for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the loaf moist.

Storage Options

This meatloaf recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freeze: Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to customize to your taste.

Swap the protein: Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for extra flavor. Turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option.
Add vegetables: Finely grated carrots or zucchini blend seamlessly into the meat mixture, adding moisture and nutrients.
Spice it up: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats.
Dairy-free option: Use unsweetened almond milk or water in place of milk.

Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks for making this easy meatloaf recipe with the best glaze, it’s time to get cooking! Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this dish is sure to delight. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a meal that hits all the right notes. Happy cooking!