An amazing recipe for making the best classic meatloaf. It is made with lean ground beef, onions, and a few seasonings. Then we top it with the most flavorful sweet and tangy sauce.

This easy-to-follow recipe for making a classic meatloaf will become one of your family’s favorites. It comes out tender, juicy, and with lots of flavor. The best part is the delicious glaze we place on top that caramelizes as it bakes in the oven.

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

Español

Meatloaf with sweet sauce with a side of green beans and mashed potatoes

Ingredients for the Best Classic Meatloaf

Ground beef. Since we are baking this classic meatloaf in a loaf pan, I recommend using 85% to 90% lean ground beef. The additional ingredients we use in the recipe help keep the meat moist inside the pan. If you prefer to bake yours on a baking sheet, then you can use an 80/20 ground beef.
Onions. They will give this meatloaf a lot of flavor. I sauté them with a small amount of oil before I add them to the meat so the flavor is not too strong.
Breadcrumbs. We need them to keep the structure of the meatloaf. I love using Italian breadcrumbs, but you can also use plain or Panko breadcrumbs. Another fantastic option is using crumbled Ritz crackers!
Eggs. These help bind all of the ingredients together giving you a steady meatloaf.
Milk. Given that we are using lean meat for this recipe, it will help keep the meatloaf full of moisture. Plus, it adds a small amount of flavor.
Seasonings. Italian seasonings and fresh parsley give this recipe a delightful flavor and aroma.

Ground beef, eggs, breadcrubms, parsley, cooked onions and garlic, Italian seasoning, ketchup, salt and pepper

Ingredients For a Classic Meatloaf Sauce

Ketchup. It gives this classic meatloaf that distinguished homemade flavor that we all love.
Apple cider vinegar. Will make this glaze tangy and delicious. A small amount goes a very long way.
Brown sugar. Together with the ketchup, gives this glaze a pleasant and delicious sweetness.
Seasonings. I love to add a small amount of onion powder and garlic powder for added flavor.

A bowl of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper

How to Make a Classic Meatloaf

Sauté the onion. In a medium-sized pan cook the onion with a small amount of oil. This will help soften the flavor.
Combine all of the ingredients for the meatloaf in a large bowl.
Line your loaf pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the meatloaf from the pan.
Place the ground beef mixture into the loaf pan. Spread it so that it is flat and even.
Mix the ingredients for the glaze and spread it over the top of the beef. Some people like to glaze their meatloaf about 10 minutes before it’s done but I do it from the very beginning and it still comes out wonderful.
Bake and then let it rest before slicing.

A loaf pan covered with parchment paper and filled with uncooked meatloaf

Watch the Video For Making A Classic Meatloaf

Tools Needed For Making Meatloaf

This is a very simple recipe and I am sure you already have most of the tools you need at home. But here are a few suggestions.

Bowls. A large mixing bowl to mix the ground beef with the rest of the ingredients. It is easy to clean and you can use it for making any other recipes.

A small mixing bowl l to mix the ingredients for the sweet sauce. I use either stainless steel or ceramic and also use them for serving dipping sauces, salsa, or any other condiment.

A loaf pan. You can make this meatloaf using a standard 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan, or shape it with your hands to bake it on a baking sheet.

Parchment paper. Most, if not all, parchment paper is pretty much the same. But if you’re short on time, or hate cutting it down to the size you need, you can always get precut baking parchment paper. It makes life so much easier!

Tips for Making the Best Classic Meatloaf

Do not overmix. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing will result in a dry and dense meatloaf.
Use lean meat if you’re baking it in a loaf pan. The loaf pan and the rest of the ingredients will help keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful. However, you can use a higher-content ground beef if you want to bake it on a baking sheet. This will also give your meatloaf the most delicious crispy edges around the bottom.
Use parchment paper to line your loaf pan. This is a lifesaver! It helps you remove the meatloaf from the loaf pan with ease.
Let the meatloaf cool for at least 10 minutes. Doing this keeps the juices stay inside the meatloaf. It also makes it a lot easier to slice without it falling apart.

Loaf pan lined with parchment paper, filled with uncooked meatloaf with a sweet glaze on top

What to Do With Leftover Meatloaf?

If you end up with leftover meatloaf, here are some ideas on how you can reuse it:

Crumble it and mix it with your favorite sauce and pasta. Kids love it!
You can also use it to make a nice bed of delicious nachos. Serve them with a side of queso dip and guacamole.
Make a delicious chili. Mix it up with your favorite ingredients like beans, corn, and stewed tomatoes, and enjoy.
Freeze it. I put it inside an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. I let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave.

A plate with meatloaf and a sweet glaze, with green beans and mashed potatoes

Can I Make Meatloaf Ahead of Time?

Yes you can! Mix all of the ingredients for the meatloaf, place them inside the loaf pan, cover well, and freeze. Let it thaw out in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as per the recipe instructions.

Side Dishes To Serve With the Best Classic Meatloaf

Here are some wonderful ideas to serve with this amazing classic meatloaf:

Basic Mashed Potatoes
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Russian Salad
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni Salad (Ensalada de Coditos)
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
KFC Coleslaw

¡Buen Provecho!