Looking for a cozy, comforting meal that never goes out of style? My Classic Meatloaf is just what you need! 🍽️ This recipe is my family’s favorite, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table. It’s a hearty, savory dish that’s super easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a Sunday family meal. I love that it’s one of those recipes that you can throw together and have it baking in the oven while you do other things. Plus, leftovers the next day are always a treat!

This meatloaf is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of ground beef, onions, and a delicious, tangy ketchup topping. It’s simple, classic, and exactly what you want when you’re craving some comfort food.

Why You’ll Love Classic Meatloaf

There’s something magical about a perfectly baked meatloaf. It’s tender, juicy, and full of savory goodness. The blend of beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates the ideal texture, while the ketchup topping adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s a dish that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your hunger. Plus, you can serve it with mashed potatoes, veggies, or a salad for a complete meal!

What You’ll Need to Make Classic Meatloaf

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Classic Meatloaf

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf.
Top with ketchup: Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for a tangy finish.
Bake the meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides!

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Fun Variations

While the classic meatloaf is always a winner, you can mix things up with some fun variations! Try adding some grated cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist, or mix in finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can even top the meatloaf with a barbecue sauce glaze instead of ketchup for a smoky twist. The possibilities are endless!

How to Make It Healthier

If you want to make this classic meatloaf a bit lighter, you can swap the ground beef for lean turkey or chicken. You can also use whole-wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for a bit of added fiber. For a lower-fat version, skip the ketchup topping and drizzle a little olive oil on top instead. It’s still full of flavor but a little healthier!

Perfect for Leftovers

One of the best parts about making meatloaf is the leftovers! Whether you slice it up for sandwiches the next day or serve it with a new side, this dish always tastes even better the next day. You can store the leftover meatloaf in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later—just make sure to wrap it tightly!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! You can definitely use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner meat. Just make sure to add extra seasoning to keep the flavor up!
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also check by inserting a meat thermometer in the center to make sure it’s cooked through.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook it, just pop it in the oven. You can also freeze the unbaked meatloaf and bake it later!
Can I add veggies to the meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can sneak in finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to add flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to chop them small enough so they blend well into the meat mixture.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months—just let it cool before wrapping and freezing!