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

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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 8732 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

  • Heather
    April 7, 2019

    Such a delicious recipe…my family hates meatloaf but loved these! We made in muffin tins and baked for 25 minutes…added sauce and cooked for another 10… Perfect! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 7, 2019

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it Heather!

      Reply

  • Zoe
    April 7, 2019

    This was really fabulous. For those asking about excluding milk, I substituted it for unsweetened almond milk and it came out perfect!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 7, 2019

      That’s so great! Thank you for sharing that with me Zoe!

      Reply

  • Guy Derby
    April 6, 2019

    I love your new kitchen.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 6, 2019

      Thank you Guy!

      Reply

  • Heather Balderson
    April 3, 2019

    Just an amazing lift to any of the old meatloaf recipes I used to make. I always got the usual response from my husband “oh no!… not meatloaf – it’s sooo boring!” Not anymore. We both love it – delish!!! Thanks for sharing this great recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Heather!

      Reply

  • Courtney
    April 2, 2019

    This was fantastic! I made it exactly as written except I didn’t have any paprika and I just used dried parsley. I will definitely be making this again and doing some extra helpings for the freezer. So many flavors blend perfectly together and the glaze goes a long way! Sooo good, and I’m a snob! Thanks for this! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Courtney! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

      • Angie
        August 30, 2019

        Do I use plan breadcrumbs or season kind?

        Reply

  • C W
    April 2, 2019

    Very simple recipe for a great meatloaf & glaze!!! I used ground turkey (1lb 93/7 1lb 85/15) instead of ground beef. It turned out great! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 2, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that! Thank you for that awesome review!

      Reply

  • Kay
    March 30, 2019

    Made this today…Very good recipe.
    I added Ole Bay Seasoning to glaze. hard to find good recipe that stay juicy. But I combined beef, pork and venison burger. Since I farm fresh meats…PERFECT

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 30, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Kay 🙂

      Reply

  • Ann
    March 27, 2019

    3/27/19. Made this recipe tonight! WOW, it’s WONDERFUL! My husband and I LOVED it. Also loved the sauce. Thanks, I will be making this again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 27, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review 🙂

      Reply

  • Connie
    March 25, 2019

    You can also make easy shepards pie with leftovers!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 25, 2019

      That is a great way to use leftover meatloaf. Brilliant! thanks for sharing!!

      Reply

  • Brennan Torres
    March 23, 2019

    Meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes is one of the most favorite dish to eat. I use fish sauce when making meatloaf instead of salt. By the way, have you ever heard about Red Boat Fish Sauce and ever cooked with fish sauce? Do you have any food allergies? By the way, I love your YouTube channel and videos.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 24, 2019

      That is interesting! Thank you for sharing that with me, Brennan!!

      Reply

  • Paulette Cameron
    March 23, 2019

    Soooo good. Loved it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 23, 2019

      Hi Paulette! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Tatiana
    March 16, 2019

    Hello! Can we omit or replace the milk with some other non-dairy product? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 16, 2019

      Hi Tatiana, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

      • Tatiana Diaz
        March 24, 2019

        I liked it very much! I did not use milk though. Today I am making it again! Thank you!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 24, 2019

          You’re so welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

          Reply

        • Mickey
          April 1, 2019

          Hey Tatiana, What did you use instead of the milk?

          Reply

          • Tatiana Diaz
            April 1, 2019

            I honestly just skipped it. I already made it 3 times! That’s how good it is! It is probably even better with it. I am lactose intolerant.

          • Natashas Kitchen
            April 1, 2019

            I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe Tatiana! Thank you for sharing that with me!

          • Mickey
            April 2, 2019

            So you skipped the milk and did not supplement it with anything, correct?

          • Tatiana Diaz
            April 3, 2019

            Correct. No milk.

  • Tracy Doran
    March 15, 2019

    This recipe sounds wonderful and I really want to try it, do you have a recipe for a turkey meatloaf? I have cut beef from my diet, I know crazy! Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes and laughs! I love your videos!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 15, 2019

      Hi Tracy, I haven’t tested this recipe with meatloaf but I think it could work. I do not have a turkey meatloaf at this time. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

  • Luba
    March 13, 2019

    Is there anything I can use instead of sugar for the glaze?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 14, 2019

      Hi Luba, I haven’t experimented with anything else but honey should work.

      Reply

  • Heather
    March 13, 2019

    Wow, this looks delicious. With the panko and THAT GLAZE. OMG. Must try!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 13, 2019

      Thank you for the wonderful review, Heather!

      Reply

  • Lynda Ruggerio
    March 9, 2019

    One thought — I always put a slice (or two) of bread under the meatloaf to soak up all the juices that accumulate. It works great!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 9, 2019

      Thank you for sharing that with me, Lynda! That’s a great suggestion!

      Reply

  • Tess
    February 27, 2019

    This is the BEST Meatloaf that I’ve ever had or made!! Definitely a Keeper… If I could give it 10 Stars I would. 🙂 I would like to thank you for all the tips you listed.. such a big help to me. My husband & I really enjoyed your recipe. Keep up the good work. 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 27, 2019

      That’s so awesome, Tess!! Thank you for sharing that awesome review with me! I love that you found a new family favorite on our blog!

      Reply

  • Robin Dinsmore
    February 23, 2019

    Hi Natasha – Is that Apple Cider or White Vinegar in your sauce toping for your meatloaf? I only read Vinegar. Thank you. If you can answer ASAP, it would be appreciative. Want to make this for tonight’s (2/23) dinner. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 23, 2019

      Hi Robin, that was just vinegar. I hope you love it!

      Reply

      • Darla
        March 31, 2019

        What does just vinager mean? Which kind?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 31, 2019

          Hi Darla, regular white vinegar.

          Reply

  • Katie C.
    February 22, 2019

    I made this tonight and the two of us enjoyed it. Needless to say with just the two of us, we have leftovers but that’s a good thing! Is there a reason that you use Panko bread crumbs instead of regular, either dried or fresh?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 24, 2019

      Hi Katie, Panko is a staple for us – we love that they are larger crumbs, but I think you could sub with regular just fine, just keep in mind that regular bread crumbs are crushed more finely so you might need slightly less.

      Reply

      • Katie C.
        February 25, 2019

        Thank you. That helps because I was thinking about making this for my sister who is gluten sensitive.

        Reply

  • Debbie
    February 22, 2019

    Made this last night for dinner with mashed potatoes and a vegetable. Never had a glaze on meatloaf before except ketchup. This was so much better. Will make again.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 22, 2019

      I’m so happy you loved the recipe! Thank you for sharing your great review – isn’t that glaze awesome? So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

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