If you’re looking for a hearty dinner that tastes like home, look no further than the Homemade Meatloaf, a comfort classic that always satisfies!
Because the entire mixture comes together in one bowl, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, and it’s a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something filling. If you enjoy bold flavors, try our smoky jalapeño popper meatloaf with creamy ranch drizzle once you’ve mastered the classic.
Did you know that meatloaf has roots in early European cooking, when cooks combined bread and chopped meat to stretch a small amount of meat for the whole family? With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a meal that will impress everyone at the table.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine, and if you’re craving more ground beef comfort food, check out this one pan ground meat and potato skillet too!
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In this post
Ingredients for Classic Homemade Meatloaf
To create the perfect meatloaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs (or 1½ cups fresh bread crumbs for a softer, moister texture)
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup mixed into the meat
- 1½ tablespoons parsley flakes, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Extra ketchup for topping
How to Mix and Bake the Meatloaf
Follow these steps to build a juicy, well-seasoned loaf:
- Preheat and Soak: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk, letting them sit for 5 minutes until softened.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the egg, ketchup, 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, onion flakes, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Add the Beef: Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands for about 1 minute, just until combined, so the loaf stays tender.
- Shape and Top: Press the mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, spread extra ketchup over the top, and sprinkle the remaining ½ tablespoon parsley.
- Bake and Rest: Bake for about 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, then let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about meatloaf is its versatility!
- Vegetable Additions: Finely grated carrot or diced bell pepper, sautéed for 3-4 minutes first, adds sweetness and moisture.
- Cheesy Twist: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar before shaping for a melty center in every slice.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or 1 finely chopped jalapeño for a little heat.
- Sweet Glaze Swap: Mix 2 tablespoons brown sugar with the topping ketchup for a caramelized finish.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy, golden side dishes like these honey mustard roasted potatoes are a natural match for slices of meatloaf.
For drinks, a glass of iced tea or a light red wine balances the savory richness of the beef beautifully.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a juicy, flavorful meatloaf that is sure to become a family favorite.
It’s a reliable weeknight dinner, and leftover slices make excellent sandwiches for lunch the next day.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your seasonings and add-ins, because there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner option, and a mix of beef and pork adds extra juiciness. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F when using ground turkey.
How do I keep my meatloaf from getting dry?
Mix the beef just until combined and avoid overbaking by checking for 160°F in the center. Letting it rest for 10 minutes also helps the juices settle.
How can I store leftovers?
Refrigerate slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water until warmed through.
Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This classic homemade meatloaf features savory lean ground beef seasoned with parsley, onion, and seasoned salt, then topped with a tangy ketchup glaze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping leftovers for lunch.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs, or 1½ cups fresh bread crumbs for a softer, moister texture
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup, mixed into the meat
- 1½ tablespoons parsley flakes, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- extra ketchup, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Soak: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk, letting them sit for 5 minutes until softened.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the egg, ketchup, 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, onion flakes, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Add the Beef: Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands for about 1 minute, just until combined, so the loaf stays tender.
- Shape and Top: Press the mixture into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, spread extra ketchup over the top, and sprinkle the remaining ½ tablespoon parsley.
- Bake and Rest: Bake for about 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, then let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
