Classic Meatloaf Recipe

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Classic Meatloaf Recipe: A Comforting Favorite

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This classic meatloaf recipe is a comforting favorite, packed with flavor and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you opt for a hearty family-sized loaf or mini loaves for quicker cooking, it’s a meal everyone will love.

individual meatloaf servings on plates
Photo by Johnny Miller (Clarkson Potter, 2021)

This is a very good, very simple meatloaf recipe that is a real stick-to-your-ribber. You can opt for one big family-style loaf or smaller individual loaves. Note that the family-style loaf takes about 75 minutes to cook, while mini loaves are ready in about 40 minutes, making them more weeknight-friendly. I recommend baking the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan. This method allows for better browning and enables excess fat to drain away, resulting in a leaner dish.

The glaze features the classic ketchup topping. For a twist, try a BBQ-style glaze, as used in my popular turkey meatloaf recipe. Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal, and enjoy any leftovers as delicious meatloaf sandwiches.

“Exactly what you want when you are craving meatloaf!”

Lori Allen

What You’ll Need To Make Meatloaf

ingredients for meatloaf
  • Onion and garlic: The flavorful base for the meatloaf mixture.
  • Milk: Keeps the meatloaf tender and moist.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy richness and a hit of umami that elevates the meatloaf.
  • Meatloaf mix: A mixture of beef, pork, and veal for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf. Alternatively, equal parts ground beef and pork can be used.
  • Plain bread crumbs: Acts as a filler and binder.
  • Ketchup: The classic topping that caramelizes to create a tangy glaze.
  • Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat oil in a medium skillet and add the onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

adding the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions

Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to a large bowl and add the milk, eggs, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine.

adding the milk, eggs, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl

Add the meat and bread crumbs to the egg mixture. Mix with your hands until just combined.

adding the meatloaf mix and bread crumbs to the egg mixture

Forming the Loaf

For individual loaves, divide the mixture into 6 equal portions (about 9 ounces each) and shape into loaves.

how to form mini meatloaves on baking sheet

For a large family-style loaf, form the mixture into a 12 x 5-inch shape directly on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon ketchup over the top and sides of the loaf (or loaves).

ketchup glaze spooned over meatloaf

Bake until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F in the middle. Let rest for about 5 minutes, slice if necessary, and serve.

sliced meatloaf on cutting board

You can prepare the loaf/loaves up to 1 day before baking. Baked meatloaf keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

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Meatloaf (Family-Style or Mini Loaves)

individual meatloaf servings on plates

This simple yet delicious meatloaf can be made as one large loaf or quicker-cooking mini loaves, making it the perfect cozy meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 heaping teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2½ lbs meatloaf mix (see note)
  • ¾ cup plain bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup ketchup

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a 13 x 18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty, nonstick foil.
  2. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Do not brown. Transfer to a large bowl.
  3. To the bowl, add the milk, eggs, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine.
  4. Add the meatloaf mix and bread crumbs to the egg mixture, and mix with your hands until just combined.

For Individual Meatloaves

  1. Form the mixture into 6 small (9-ounce) loaves and place on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the ketchup over the top and sides of each loaf. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F in the middle of a meatloaf. Let the meatloaves rest for about 5 minutes. Scrape any fat away from the edges of each meatloaf, then use a spatula to transfer them to a serving platter or plates.

For Family-Style Meatloaf

  1. Form the meat mixture into a 12 x 5-inch loaf shape directly on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top and sides of the loaf. Bake for 75 to 80 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F in the middle of the meatloaf. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. Scrape any fat away from the edges of the meatloaf (it will ooze out and brown while baking), then use a wide spatula to transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board or serving platter. Slice and serve.
  2. Note: Meatloaf mix is a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal that is more flavorful than ground beef alone. Most supermarkets carry meatloaf mix, but if you can’t find it, equal parts ground beef and pork make a good substitute.

Nutrition Information

  • Per serving (6 servings)
  • Calories: 834
  • Fat: 54 g
  • Saturated fat: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 51 g
  • Sodium: 945 mg
  • Cholesterol: 262 mg

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