If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor and easy to make, this Homemade Meatloaf is your go-to recipe. It’s juicy, savory, and topped with a perfectly sweet and tangy glaze. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or pile it onto a sandwich—it’s a guaranteed hit for any night of the week.
Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, this meatloaf delivers nostalgic comfort with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Meatloaf
✅ Classic & Familiar – Just like mom used to make!
✅ Juicy & Tender – With the perfect balance of meat and seasonings.
✅ Sweet & Tangy Glaze – The ketchup-brown sugar topping is irresistible.
✅ Easy to Make Ahead – Can be prepped and stored before baking.
✅ Freezer-Friendly – Bake now or freeze for later.
✅ Family-Approved – A dinner everyone loves!
What Is Homemade Meatloaf?
Homemade meatloaf is a beloved American comfort food made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. Shaped into a loaf and baked in the oven, it becomes a juicy, savory dish with a signature sweet and tangy glaze on top.
This version features classic pantry staples and a simple, foolproof method that guarantees delicious results every time. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and endlessly versatile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef – 85% lean is ideal for moist but not greasy meatloaf
- 2 large eggs – Help bind the ingredients
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs – For light texture and structure
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion – Adds flavor and moisture
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) – For bold savory flavor
- 3 tablespoons ketchup – Brings slight sweetness and richness
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the umami flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy herbal note
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the garlic flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper – Classic seasoning combo
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Homemade Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir with a fork until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the bowl. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined.
💡 Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender!
Step 4: Shape & Transfer to Pan
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared loaf pan.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
Step 7: Add the Glaze & Finish Baking
Remove from the oven, spread the glaze evenly over the top, and return to the oven for another 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 8: Rest & Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ways to Serve Homemade Meatloaf
🍽 With Mashed Potatoes – A timeless pairing
🥪 In a Sandwich – Perfect for leftovers with melty cheese
🥗 With a Salad – Lighten up the meal with greens
🥦 With Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, broccoli, or green beans
🍚 Over Rice – A cozy and filling dinner option
Tips for the Best Meatloaf
🧂 Use 85% Lean Ground Beef – Gives the right balance of fat and moisture
🥄 Don’t Overmix – Mix gently to keep it tender
🧅 Chop Onions Finely – Helps them blend smoothly into the loaf
🥣 Make the Glaze Ahead – It’s easy to store and use later
⏳ Rest Before Slicing – Locks in juices for perfect texture
🧊 Prep in Advance – Shape and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead
Storage & Freezing Instructions
🥡 Refrigerate: Store cooked meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freeze Unbaked: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
🔥 Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.
💡 You can also freeze baked leftovers for quick future meals!
FAQs About Homemade Meatloaf
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, though the texture will be leaner and slightly different.
Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
A: Absolutely! Regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work well.
Q: Is it okay to skip the glaze?
A: You can, but the glaze adds great flavor and visual appeal—it’s highly recommended!
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Just divide into two pans and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food—warm, satisfying, and easy to prepare with ingredients you probably already have on hand. With its juicy texture and flavorful glaze, it’s sure to become a staple at your dinner table.
Whether you’re feeding a family, planning leftovers, or prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try tonight and rediscover why meatloaf is such a beloved classic!
Short Version
Homemade Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef 85% is best
Meatloaf Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir with a fork until well combined.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix everything together with your hands until well combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the greased loaf pan.
- For the meatloaf glaze, combine ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, then spread the glaze over the top and continue baking for 35-45 more minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches 160°F in the center when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
