🍖 The Best Classic Meatloaf
Juicy, tender, and topped with a sticky-sweet glaze
Serves: 4–6
Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Mood: comfort food royalty 👑
🛒 Ingredients
Meatloaf
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1½ lb (680 g) ground meat
(80/20 beef is ideal, or a beef & pork mix) -
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 large eggs
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½ cup milk
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⅓ cup ketchup
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Optional: 1–2 tbsp chopped parsley
Glaze
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½ cup ketchup
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat to 175°C / 350°F.
Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Mix the meatloaf
In a large bowl, add all meatloaf ingredients.
Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
⚠️ Do not overmix — that’s the #1 reason meatloaf turns dense.
3. Shape
Press the mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on the prepared tray.
4. Make the glaze
In a small bowl, stir together:
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Ketchup
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Brown sugar
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Worcestershire sauce
Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
6. Final glaze
Remove from oven, spread the remaining glaze on top.
Return to oven for 15–20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches
71°C / 160°F.
7. Rest & serve
Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
This keeps it juicy and helps it hold together.
⭐ Pro Tips (These Matter)
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80/20 meat = juicy meatloaf (lean meat dries out)
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Milk + breadcrumbs = tenderness
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Resting time = clean slices
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Use a thermometer if you can — game changer
❓ Q & A (Meatloaf Reality)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble + glaze, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze raw or cooked (wrap well). Thaw before baking/reheating.
Q: Why is my meatloaf dry?
Too lean meat, overmixing, or overbaking.
Q: Can I use oats instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes — same amount. Quick oats work best.
Q: What sides go best?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, mac & cheese, or roasted veggies.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or swap ketchup for spicy BBQ sauce.
🍽 How People Actually Eat This
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Cold slices from the fridge
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Meatloaf sandwiches the next day
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With extra glaze on the side
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Straight out of the pan “just to taste”