This classic meatloaf recipe delivers pure comfort in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. With only 10 minutes of prep time and 319 calories per serving, you’ll get a protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
The ideal balance of lean protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats makes this hearty dish a family-favorite that’s worth adding to your regular meal rotation.
Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs, choose lean meat for best results
- Eggs: 2 large, helps bind ingredients together
- Condiments: 4 Tbsp ketchup, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp dijon mustard
- Aromatics: 4 cloves minced garlic, ½ cup diced sweet onion
- Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp dried sage
- Binding Agent: ½ cup breadcrumbs or oats, either works perfectly
Sauce Components
- Base: ½ cup ketchup
- Sweetener: 6 Tbsp light brown sugar
- Flavoring: 2 tsp dijon mustard, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Preparation Steps
- Prep Work: Heat oven to 350°F and grease your loaf pan
- Mix Components: Combine all meatloaf ingredients gently in a large bowl
- Shape: Transfer mixture to pan and smooth the top gently
- Initial Bake: Cook for 30 minutes at 350°F
- Sauce Application: Mix sauce ingredients and spread over partially cooked meatloaf
- Final Bake: Return to oven for 10-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F
- Rest Period: Let stand 10 minutes before serving
Cooking Tips
The secret to super tender meatloaf is mixing the ingredients gently – think of it like handling a delicate pastry! Over-mixing can make your meatloaf tough, so use your hands to combine everything just until it comes together.
A quick tip: warm your hands under running water and dry them well before mixing – this helps prevent the meat from sticking to your fingers!
Easy Substitutions
Don’t have some ingredients? No worries! You can swap the breadcrumbs for quick oats, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes. If you’re out of dijon mustard, yellow mustard works great too.
Fresh out of sage? Try Italian seasoning or thyme instead. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork – just keep the total amount at 2 pounds.
Serving Ideas
This classic meatloaf loves company! Try it with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite green veggie. For next-day sandwiches, slice it thin and pop it between two pieces of toasted bread with extra sauce.
Want to make it fancy? Add a side of roasted carrots or green beans, and maybe some buttery corn. The sweet and tangy sauce is amazing with just about anything!
Storage & Leftovers
Let your meatloaf cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. Want to save it longer? Cut it into slices, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, pop it in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist, or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Meatloaf
Equipment
- loaf pan
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 4 Tablespoons ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 cup sweet onion diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or oats
Meatloaf Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 6 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a standard size loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Add all of the meatloaf ingredients to a large bowl and gently mix everything to combine (without over-working the meat).
- Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan and gently pat into an even layer.
- Bake for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the meatloaf sauce by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
- Remove meatloaf from oven and spread sauce on top.
- Return to oven for 10-20 minutes or until cooked through (160 degrees F).
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
