Best Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This classic meatloaf recipe combines juicy ground beef and pork with flavorful vegetables and cheese, all topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 whole large eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 slices bread, torn into pieces
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrot, grated
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (for topping)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk and torn bread pieces. Let sit for a few minutes until the bread absorbs the liquid.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion, grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef and ground pork. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and press the meat mixture firmly into the pan, shaping it into a loaf.
6. Step 6: Invert the loaf pan onto a baking sheet lined with foil and carefully remove the plastic wrap, leaving the meatloaf on the foil.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
8. Step 8: While baking, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard in a small bowl to make the topping.
9. Step 9: After 45 minutes, spoon the topping evenly over the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting with the topping again halfway through.
10. Step 10: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh bread crumbs instead of torn bread for a finer texture.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for extra depth of flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Mix in finely chopped bell pepper or celery for added crunch and sweetness.
• For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make meatloaf without a loaf pan?

Yes, you can shape the meat mixture by hand into a loaf on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Baking times will be similar.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The meatloaf is done when its internal temperature reaches 160º F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center for the most accurate reading.

Best Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 50 reviews

This Best Meatloaf Recipe features a flavorful blend of lean ground beef and pork combined with fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and herbs. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze made of tomato sauce, brown sugar, and mustard, this classic comfort dish is baked to perfection, ensuring a moist and delicious meatloaf perfect for family dinners.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf

• 2 whole large eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 slices bread, torn into pieces
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrot, grated
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork

Topping

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare Bread Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add milk along with the torn bread pieces. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid completely.
3. Mix Vegetables and Seasonings: To the soaked bread mixture, add the chopped onion, grated carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Add Meats: Incorporate the lean ground beef and ground pork into the mixture. Mix well to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
5. Shape Meatloaf: Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap, then place the meat mixture inside, pressing down firmly to shape it evenly within the pan.
6. Transfer for Baking: Carefully turn the loaf pan upside down onto a foil-lined baking sheet, then remove the plastic wrap so the shaped meatloaf rests directly on the baking sheet.
7. Bake First Phase: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to begin cooking through.
8. Prepare and Apply Topping: While baking, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to make the topping glaze. After the initial 45 minutes of baking, spoon this topping evenly over the meatloaf.
9. Bake Second Phase and Baste: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. Halfway through this time (after about 15 minutes), baste the meatloaf again with the topping to keep it moist and flavorful.
10. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Using a mixture of lean ground beef and ground pork helps balance flavor and fat content.
• Letting the bread soak in eggs and milk ensures a moist and tender meatloaf texture.
• Basting the meatloaf midway through baking enhances the sweetness and glaze coverage.
• Resting the meatloaf after baking allows for easier slicing and better flavor retention.
• Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup from the topping glaze.

Keywords: meatloaf, ground beef, ground pork, cheddar cheese, baked meatloaf, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe