Amazing homemade Meatloaf Recipe. The meatloaf is so tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds so much flavor to the meatloaf. Serve the easy meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a side of asparagus

Meatloaf recipe sliced and served on a plate with mashed potatoes and vegetables

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Hey, hey! Valentina with Valentina’s Corner sharing our Meatloaf recipe.

Meatloaf Recipe:

Ground beef mixed with onion, Panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley and seasonings produces an irresistibly tender and juicy meatloaf. The sweet and tangy glaze adds amazing flavor to this classic meatloaf.

meatloaf glazed with meatloaf sauce

Tips on How to Make the BEST Meatloaf:

  • DO NOT OVERMIX which can result in a tough/dense meatloaf
  • Line your loaf pan with parchment paper with edges hanging over the pan for easier removal of meatloaf. 
  • Keep the juices from the pan and pour over the sliced meatloaf before serving.
  • Chop the onion finely, allowing it to cook through (or sautee onion before adding)
  • Gently press meat into the pan so it holds its shape.
  • Rest meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing

Collage how to make meatloaf and shape into pan.

What is the Best Meat for Meatloaf?

You want to use ground beef that is 85% or 90% lean meat. Do not worry about using lean meat – the rest of the ingredients will keep your meatloaf moist and juicy. Avoid super lean meats. 

Meatloaf Sauce:

This meatloaf sauce is incredible as a glaze for the meatloaf with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ketchup combined with brown sugar, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper and vinegar creates an irresistible sauce. Once baked, the glaze caramelizes and is SO GOOD! 

Step-by-step collage how to make the best sauce for a Meatloaf recipe.

Can I bake Meatloaf on a baking sheet?

For crispier edges, bake meatloaf on a baking sheet. Out of foil, create a self-made pan with edges to keep the drippings from the meatloaf as it’s baked. Shape meatloaf and place into the foil. Continue with baking instructions. NOTE: Baking time may slightly vary, depending on the shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

baked meatloaf sliced and ready to serve

How long to cook Meatloaf?

Cook the meatloaf uncovered for 40 minutes at 375°F. Add the sauce, and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature is 160°F. If using a smaller loaf pan than 9″x5″, increase cooking time.

how long to cook meatloaf in loaf pan

Leftover Meatloaf?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here are some leftover meatloaf ideas (and I’d love to hear your ideas in a comment below):

Can you freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, meatloaf may be frozen before cooking. To freeze, prepare meatloaf per instructions. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze.

Defrost the raw meatloaf in the refrigerator covered. Continue with baking instructions.

Meatloaf served on a plate with potatoes and greens and garnished with parsley

More Easy Dinner Recipes to try:

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze

4.99 from 8671 votes
Author: Valentina Ablaev
Amazing homemade Meatloaf Recipe. The meatloaf is so tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy sauce that glazes the meatloaf and adds so much flavor!
Amazing homemade Meatloaf Recipe. The meatloaf is so tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy sauce that glazes the meatloaf and adds so much flavor!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 servings

Meatloaf Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef, 85% or 90% lean
  • 1 med onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 Tbsp ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground paprika

Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients:

Instructions

  • Line a 9”x5” loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375°F.
  • In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix well to combine.
  • Add meat to the loaf pan, gently press meat down and shape evenly and bake meatloaf at 375˚F for 40 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together for the sauce. Spread the sauce over meatloaf then return to oven and bake additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚F. Rest meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with baking juices from the pan.  

Nutrition Per Serving

344kcal Calories18g Carbs24g Protein18g Fat7g Saturated Fat118mg Cholesterol910mg Sodium507mg Potassium11g Sugar410IU Vitamin A4.5mg Vitamin C65mg Calcium3.3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze
Amount per Serving
Calories
344
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Cholesterol
 
118
mg
39
%
Sodium
 
910
mg
40
%
Potassium
 
507
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
 
18
g
6
%
Sugar
 
11
g
12
%
Protein
 
24
g
48
%
Vitamin A
 
410
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
4.5
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
65
mg
7
%
Iron
 
3.3
mg
18
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: meatloaf, meatloaf recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 344

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Valentina Ablaev

I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!

Read more posts by Valentina

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Kristin
    March 17, 2024

    Made this for the first time today. It’s the best meatloaf recipe!! Will definitely be a regular in my house.

    Reply

  • Ruth Mansure
    March 17, 2024

    Absolutely the best! And if you are feeling really decadent, make a grilled meatloaf sandwich on sturdy bread.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 17, 2024

      Thanks for the great feedback, Ruth!

      Reply

  • Crash
    March 16, 2024

    Perfect every time! I add worcestershire and fresh rosemary but it’s great otherwise

    Reply

  • Karen Kreutzer
    March 14, 2024

    I make and put this meatloaf into muffin tins ( with cupcake liners for easier cleanup) and freeze them , when I want a couple I take a couple out and defrost them and heat in microwave

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 14, 2024

      Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Karen.

      Reply

  • Lance Demers
    March 13, 2024

    I do Love this recipe. At the end of cooking I put the last ingredients on top of the meatloaf and put it back in the oven, on high broil and glaze the meat for 5 minutes

    Reply

  • Linda A Hawkins
    March 13, 2024

    Best meatloaf ever. Only recipe I use and whole family loves it. Check out her glazed teriyaki salmon another fantastic recipe.

    Reply

  • Shaun m.
    March 12, 2024

    Best meatloaf you will ever have! The sauce is amazing and the best part!! Sometimes I will add some brown sugar to the meatloaf mix (kids love the little sweetness in the meatloaf itself)

    Reply

  • Rick
    March 10, 2024

    One of the best meatloaf recipes ever. Measurements were spot on. As a twist I added about a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. AMAZING!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 10, 2024

      Hi Rick, thank you for your awesome feedback. Im so glad you love it!

      Reply

  • Phil Teetsel
    March 7, 2024

    I use Grey Poupon instead of Vinger and honey instead of brown sugar. Find so much taster! Also a tablespoon of soy sauce. Then the salt and pepper. Any left over sauce ill coat the outside before serving.

    Reply

  • Sarah
    March 6, 2024

    This is our family’s go-to meatloaf recipe. Moist and flavorful, the sauce really seals the deal. Yum!

    Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.