Meatloaf Recipe

This easy meatloaf recipe is classic comfort food, just like the diner makes. Topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze, our meatloaf is perfect for family dinners and makes the best leftover meatloaf sandwiches. 

My family and friends think this is the best meatloaf recipe: it’s so easy to make and features simple ingredients like onion and green pepper—just like a traditional meatloaf recipe.

The top is covered with a delicious meatloaf sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.

The ultimate comfort food, this will be your new go-to recipe for meatloaf! And be sure and try our recipe for Meatloaf Muffins, a reader favorite for family dinners!

Meatloaf glaze recipe

Our secret weapon for the best meatloaf is this delicious brown sugar glaze. With just three simple ingredients—ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard—you’ll create a sweet and tangy glaze that’s sure to impress.

The best part is that you don’t have to cook the sauce. Instead, whisk the ingredients together and brush over the meat. 

Ingredients for meatloaf recipe

For full ingredients and instructions, please look at the recipe card below.

• Ground chuck – the fat in the chuck helps keep the meatloaf juicy
• Lean ground beef – I use an 85/15 mix
• Onion – dice finely
• Green bell pepper – dice finely
• Large eggs – binder to help the meatloaf retain its shape
• Plain bread crumbs – another binder
• Worcestershire sauce – umami flavor boost
• Ketchup – another moisture source
• Salt and pepper
• Brown sugar – for the meatloaf sauce
• Yellow mustard – for the topping
• Baking sheet – my favorite kitchen workhorse
• Aluminum foil – helps with clean up
• Large mixing bowl – use this for so many things

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Substitutions and variations

This meatloaf recipe lends itself well to substitutions. You can switch out the meat and add different vegetables and seasonings to vary the flavor.

• If you’d like to omit the eggs, you can try substituting two tablespoons of olive oil or make a flax egg: add water to ground flax meal—about 1/4 cup of water to one tablespoon of flax meal is equivalent to one egg. 
• Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatloaf.
• You can also substitute ground pork or sausage for some of the beef. 
• If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed saltine crackers, cornflakes, or almond flour. 
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers for a gluten-free option.

How long to cook meatloaf

This meatloaf recipe will take about an hour to cook thoroughly. You’ll take it out of the oven after 45 minutes to brush on the meatloaf sauce, then cook another 15 minutes. 

What temperature is meatloaf done

I cook the meatloaf for one hour, and it’s perfect, but you can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). 

How to make meatloaf

We love recipes that cook entirely in the oven, giving you time to clean up and get the sides ready.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil and cooking spray.
2. Optional: saute the onion and pepper in a skillet until softened.
3. Gently mix meats and other ingredients (excluding glaze ingredients) in a large bowl.
4. Form a loaf shape on the baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Mix the brown sugar glaze ingredients and spread glaze on the meatloaf after 45 minutes.
6. Bake for an additional 15 minutes and let rest before serving.

FAQs

What to serve with meatloaf

Can you even have meatloaf without mashed potatoes? Add some Southern green beans or butter beans, homemade buttermilk biscuits, and a peach cobbler for dessert, and you’ll have a complete meal of the best comfort foods.

How to make the best meatloaf sandwich

A meatloaf sandwich is not a hamburger. It’s more like a patty melt, and you can mix it up to suit your tastes. Some folks love them cold with just a touch of ketchup, and some like to toast the bread and heat the meatloaf with some melted cheese.

My favorite is to toast some good bread with butter, heat the individual slices of meatloaf, and put it all together with caramelized onions and gruyere cheese.

Storage and freezing tips

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze pre-baked:

• Do not freeze if the meat you are using was previously frozen.
• Prepare as directed up to the point of baking, then wrap the raw loaf tightly in plastic wrap, topped with a couple of layers of foil. Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake the next day as directed.

Freeze baked or leftover meatloaf:

• Bake as directed but without the meatloaf glaze and allow to cool completely. (If you’re freezing leftover meatloaf, don’t worry about the glaze that’s already on the meat, just know that most of it will come off on the foil and you’ll need to make more when you reheat.)
• To freeze the whole meatloaf, wrap tightly in a couple of layers of aluminum foil and then either place in a large freezer bag or use a vacuum sealer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat with the brown sugar meatloaf glaze.
• To freeze individual portions, slice the meatloaf and select however many slices you want as a portion size, then wrap those in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat with the brown sugar meatloaf glaze.