Your Go-To Recipe: How Do You Make a Simple Meatloaf at Home

I have a soft spot for classic comfort dishes like meatloaf. It's right at the top of my list. Meatloaf is the way to go if you want something simple, hearty, and delicious. I remember being a little worried the first time I made it. I expected it to be dry or uninteresting, but I was wrong. It came out juicy, delicious, and completely enticing. It's one of those recipes that only improves with each subsequent attempt!

You've come to the perfect place if you're new to meatloaf or want a tried-and-true recipe. This simple meatloaf dish will knock your socks off. Trust me—it's so excellent you'll slap yourself on the back before it hits the plate! So let's dive in and get this show going!

Why Meatloaf Deserves Some Love

Okay, I know. Meatloaf might not seem like the most intriguing dish at first. But listen to me—this meal is absolute charm when done correctly. It's the perfect comfort food: warm, flavorful, and full of flavor. Can we talk about how versatile it is? You can vary the ingredients, add your preferred seasonings, and even try other toppings (more on that later!). Leftover meatloaf makes delicious sandwiches, making it ideal for dinner prep. The recipe I'm going to share with you is pretty simple, and believe me, you'll be making it over and over again!

What Meat Should You Use for Meatloaf?

Okay, let's talk meat. Regular ground beef, which is typically 70% to 77% lean, is ideal for meatloaf because a bit of fat in the beef keeps your meatloaf moist and tasty. No one wants a dry, crumbly bread, right? If you want to go fancy, you can add some ground pork or veal for an added layer of taste.

Ingredients

680g ground beef (or your favorite combo of meats)
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
250ml milk
110g dried breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
5 tablespoons ketchup

How to Make Meatloaf at Home?

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Mix the ground beef, egg, chopped onion, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Zulay Says: be gentle when mixing. Overworking the meat can make it tough, and we’re going for tender and juicy here!

3. Shape your mixture into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased 23x13cm (9x5 inch) loaf pan. Don’t stress too much about making it perfect—it will taste amazing either way.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. This sauce is going to form the most delicious glaze on top of your meatloaf. Pour it over the top and spread it out evenly.

5. Bake for about 1 hour. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and the meatloaf will have that perfect golden glaze on top.

6. Once it’s done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. I know, it’s hard to wait, but this step is key to locking in all those juices!

Zulay's Expert Tips for Perfecting Homemade Meatloaf

Don’t overmix! When you combine the ingredients, mix until everything is just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf, and nobody wants that.
Let it rest. After baking, give your meatloaf a little time to chill before you slice it. This keeps it from falling apart and ensures every bite is juicy.
Get creative with toppings. Not a fan of the ketchup-mustard-brown sugar combo? No problem! Try barbecue sauce or a tomato-based glaze with herbs for a different twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You won't find this meatloaf recipe anywhere else. This is it if you're looking for a simple meatloaf recipe that is sure to please and perfect for a crowd. This dish is ideal for satisfying a large group, enjoying a night in, or when you need something to eat as leftovers. The glaze on top? It's divine. The texture is just right. The tastes are deep. Exceptional excellence.

And the finest aspect? You can make this recipe your own in any way you like. If you want to get extra veggies, grated carrots or zucchini would be great additions. If you're in the mood for something spicier, try using barbecue sauce instead of ketchup. Alternately, obey the recipe's instructions and play it safe. You get to decide!

Let Us Know What You Think!

Tried the recipe? I’d love to hear how it went for you! Drop a comment below and let me know if you added your owntwist or stuck to the classic version. And if you’ve got any secret meatloaf tips, don’t be shy—share them with us!

Spread the Meatloaf Love!

Know someone who needs this recipe in their life? Share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to tag @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness when you do. We love seeing what you whip up in the kitchen!

A baked homemade meatloaf served for lunch.

FAQs About Making Simple Meatloaf at Home

How can I prevent my meatloaf from being dry?

To prevent dry meatloaf, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Overworking the ingredients can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Additionally, using enough fat in the meat (like 70% lean beef) and adding moisture-rich ingredients like milk or eggs will help keep the loaf juicy.

Why does my meatloaf fall apart when I slice it?

If your meatloaf falls apart, it might need more binding agents. Eggs and breadcrumbs are essential for holding themeat together. Letting the meatloaf rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking will also help it set, making it easier to slice.

Can I freeze meatloaf?

Yes! Meatloaf freezes well. You can freeze the uncooked mixture or a fully cooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake until fully warmed.

What toppings can I use instead of ketchup?

If you're not a fan of the ketchup-based glaze, you can experiment with barbecue sauce, tomato paste, or even a mix of mustard and honey. Some people also enjoy adding shredded cheese on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist!

How long should I bake meatloaf?

A 680g (1.5 lb) meatloaf typically bakes at 180°C (350°F) for about 1 hour. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your loaf. You can check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into thecenter of the loaf. It should read 70°C (160°F) when fully cooked.

What should I serve with meatloaf?

Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with rice, pasta, or even garlic bread for a hearty meal.

Can I make a meatloaf without breadcrumbs?

Yes! If you prefer a gluten-free or low-carb version, you can replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or oats. These alternatives will still help bind the meat and keep the loaf together.