This meatloaf recipe is incredibly tasty, easy to make, and the best part? It’s a classic family dinner that’s tender and juicy! Plus, it makes the most delicious leftovers for sandwiches the next day.
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Great recipe! I’ve used it for years and it never fails. It’s also a good base to add more fun, like cheese in the middle or Ketchup on top.
This is a meatloaf recipe that brings together ground beef, bread crumbs, and a tangy, sweet ketchup-based flavor for a classic dinner that will take you right back to your childhood. It’s a simple, easy recipe that everyone loves.
If you enjoy this meatloaf recipe, you’ll also love this venison meatloaf, ground beef stroganoff, and taco casserole. They’re all hearty, family-friendly meals that are easy to make and packed with flavor
This is my mom’s tried and true recipe that I grew up enjoying. Every time I would come back from college she would let me pick what we would have for dinner – meatloaf was my choice. It is one of my favorite home recipes. I also love a slice of leftover chilled meatloaf between two slices of fresh bread – and mustard. Meatloaf sandwich for the win!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors: This recipe sticks to the classic combination of ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, and a hint of ketchup, resulting in a meatloaf that tastes just like how it should be.
- Family Favorite: This meatloaf recipe is a hit with the whole family. It’s a dish that’s been a part of my family for years and one we all love.
- Comfort Food: There’s something about a warm slice of meatloaf that just screams comfort, and this recipe delivers exactly that.
- great Leftovers: Meatloaf makes the best leftovers! I love slicing up a cold piece of meatloaf and enjoying it with some mustard on a fresh slice of bread. Yum!
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Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: This is the star of the show, providing the hearty, meaty base for our meatloaf.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: They add a savory, slightly seasoned flavor and help bind the meatloaf together.
- Water: The moisture in the water helps to keep the meatloaf from drying out as it bakes.
- Eggs: These act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and giving the meatloaf a bit of structure.
- Ketchup: It adds a hint of sweetness and a tangy flavor to the meatloaf. We’ll also be using a bit more to glaze the top.
- Lipton Dried Onion Soup Mix: This is where the magic happens. It’s a savory blend of seasonings that adds a rich, oniony flavor to the meatloaf.
Equipment
- Large Bowl – You’ll need this to mix all the ingredients together. Make sure it’s big enough to accommodate the ground beef, breadcrumbs, water, eggs, ketchup, and onion soup mix.
- 9″ Square Pan – This is where you’ll press the meatloaf mixture before baking it in the oven. It’s important to use the right size pan to ensure the meatloaf cooks evenly.
How to Make Meatloaf
Preparation
To start, preheat your oven to 350˚ F. This will make sure that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your meatloaf.
Step 1 – Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add all the ingredients for the meatloaf. This includes ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and the rest. Mix everything together well to make sure that all the flavors are combined.
Step 2 – Press the Mixture
Next, take your meatloaf mixture and press it into a 9″ square pan. Make sure to press it down firmly to get rid of any air pockets and to shape it to the pan.
Step 3 – Bake the Meat Loaf
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This will cook the meatloaf and give them a nice, firm texture.
Expert Tip
For the best results, use a combination of 1 lb of 85% lean ground beef and 1 lb of 93% lean ground beef. This mix will give your meatloaf the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
Recipe Variations
- Different Meat: You can make this meatloaf recipe with a mixture of ground meats. Try a combination of beef, pork, and veal for a more complex flavor.
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, add a cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan to the meat mixture. It will add a delicious, gooey surprise to every slice.
- Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices. Add some garlic powder, oregano, or even a dash of cayenne for a spicier meatloaf.
What to Serve With
- For a classic meatloaf meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. The hearty meatloaf pairs perfectly with the smooth potatoes and fresh, crisp beans.
- If you’re a fan of sandwiches, try slicing the meatloaf and serving it on a toasted bun with a dollop of ketchup. Add some coleslaw on the side for a complete meal.
- For a comforting brunch, slice the meatloaf and serve it with sunny side up eggs and buttery toast. The rich flavors of the meatloaf are a great match for the runny egg yolk.
- If you’re hosting a party, make mini meatloaf muffins using a muffin tin. They’re the perfect finger food and can be served with a variety of dips like BBQ sauce, ranch, or ketchup.
Make Ahead Instructions
Follow the instructions as directed. After pressing the meatloaf mix into your baking pan, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Preheat oven and bake as directed.
Recipe FAQs
For a juicy and flavorful meatloaf, it’s best to use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 85% lean. I like to use a combination of 93% with 85% for the best results. The little bit of fat will help prevent the meatloaf from drying out during the long cooking time.
Yes, you can. If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs on hand, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even panko. You can also use my recipe to make homemade Italian breadcrumbs.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This meatloaf is also freezer-friendly. Once it’s completely cooled, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw: When ready to enjoy your frozen meatloaf, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Heating: To reheat, place the meatloaf in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
More Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This classic meatloaf recipe yields a hearty dish that can serve 8 people.
- How to Scale: If you’re expecting a larger crowd or just want leftovers, you can easily double this recipe. Just make sure to use a larger pan to accommodate the increased quantity. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef recommend 1 lb 93% and 1 lb 85%
- 2 Cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 3/4 Cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 Cup Ketchup
- 1 envelope Lipton dried onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚ F.
- Combine all ingredients and mix well in large bowl.
- Press meatloaf mix into a 9″ square pan. Bake for 1 hour in a preheated oven. Let cool for 10 minutes and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in 2016. The instructions have been updated to provide more details. The recipe remains the same.
Greatest,easiest and only meatloaf worth making! You must be my sister from another mother!
We had this often because everyone loved it.I think it’s strange that I’ve never seen it in print before now……Right?
This is my second time making this meatloaf.First time I didn’t have the recipe before me and worked from m Emory only using 1 cup of breadcrumbs one egg no li p Ron onion soup. It still was very good. The second time I followed the recipe and was delicious.
Yay! It’s a family favorite. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Great recipe! I’ve used it for years and it never fails. It’s also a good base to add more fun, like cheese in the middle or Ketchup on top.
Yup, you should make the Meatloaf for your Saintly parents. LOL
Updating (renovating) a new-to-you old house can be a lot of work, a major expense, AND most rewarding. As you mold it into your own you will laugh, cry, remove wall paper, clean-up spilled paint etc. But as soon as that one room begins to look like you want it to look, you will know how much this “home” will mean moving forward. Could even be your forever home. Best wishes. Enjoy making that meatloaf.