Best Meatloaf Recipes You’ll Crave: Classic, Cheesy & Beyond
Classic, juicy meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze—perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- 2. Cook diced onion in butter over medium-low heat until tender. Let onions cool completely.
- 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- 4. Add ground beef, cooled onions, ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined.
- 5. Form mixture into an 8"x4" loaf on the prepared baking pan.
- 6. Bake loaf for 40 minutes.
- 7. While baking, mix chili sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar (if using) to make the glaze.
- 8. Spread glaze over the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- 9. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if desired for a caramelized top.
- 10. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Chili sauce is a zesty, tangy condiment found near ketchup at the store; substitute with more ketchup or a bit of BBQ sauce if needed.
Optional: Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the loaf tender.
Using a baking pan (not a loaf pan) gives a better crust.
Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain juices.