What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade meatloaf recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, offering a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, even if you’re new to cooking. The moist, tender texture and savory taste will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
Recipe
Homemade meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. This recipe combines ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings for a moist and flavorful dish. Topped with a tangy glaze, it’s baked to perfection and served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes:
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Equipment:
Loaf pan, mixing bowl, oven
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Meatloaf is a hearty dish packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | Cholesterol | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 25g | 20g | 15g | 600mg | 90mg | 1g | 5g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes—they’re the perfect comfort food combo. A side of tender green beans adds a fresh, crispy touch that balances the dish. These classics just make the meal feel complete.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect partner for meatloaf, adding a comforting touch to every bite. I love making them silky smooth by boiling Yukon Golds, mashing them just right, and stirring in butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. They soak up the meatloaf’s savory juices, making each forkful even richer. Sometimes, I add garlic or chives for extra flavor, but classic works just as well. It’s a simple side, but it feels so indulgent. Pairing it with meatloaf reminds me of family dinners—hearty, cozy, and always satisfying. You can’t go wrong with this timeless combo.
Green Beans
Crisp, vibrant green beans bring a fresh contrast to the richness of meatloaf, balancing the meal with their bright flavor and satisfying crunch. I love steaming them until they’re just tender, then tossing them with a little butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a squeeze of lemon for extra zing. They’re quick to prepare, which makes them a go-to side on busy nights. Every time I serve them alongside meatloaf, it feels like a complete, comforting meal that’s simple but always hits the spot.
