Dinner

Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

Byreem everly October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

Homemade meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and flavorful. This recipe combines tender ground beef with a savory glaze, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

The image shows a white plate with four slices of meatloaf arranged slightly overlapping. Each slice has a thick, glossy reddish-brown glaze on top that looks smooth and shiny, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The inside of the meatloaf is a light brown, crumbly texture with small visible bits of ingredients, giving it a coarse, meaty look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, adding brightness and contrast to the rich colors of the meatloaf. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds lean ground beef (optional: replace half with pork)
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
¾ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or dried, plus more for garnish)
3/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the onion and garlic mixture with the ground beef, milk, eggs, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan and gently press it down until the top is smooth and even.
Step 5: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Step 6: While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing ¾ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until well combined.
Step 7: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 40 minutes, spoon the glaze evenly over the top, then return it to the oven and bake for another 20–30 minutes.
Step 8: Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a juicier meatloaf, try mixing half ground beef and half ground pork or turkey.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Leftover meatloaf slices make excellent sandwiches the next day.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave slices until warmed through or gently warm in a low oven to retain moisture. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Four thick slices of meatloaf lie side by side on a white plate, each slice showing a dense, coarse texture in light brown color with small bits of herbs and vegetables. A shiny, deep red glaze covers the top of three slices, dripping slightly down the sides, and small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the glaze. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make meatloaf without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with oats, crushed crackers, or even cooked rice to help bind the meat mixture.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer. The meatloaf should be firm to the touch and juices should run clear.