This is the ultimate meatloaf recipe that’s both easy to make and consistently juicy! With simple ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors, this classic meatloaf is sure to be a family favorite.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup Italian or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Meatloaf Sauce:
- ½ cup chili sauce (see note)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Cook the onions: In a small pan, cook the diced onions in butter over medium-low heat until softened. Let them cool completely.
- Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then add the ground beef, cooked onions, 1 tablespoon of ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix to avoid a dense meatloaf).
- Form the meatloaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf (about 8″ x 4″) on the prepared baking pan. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatloaf is baking, combine chili sauce and ketchup (add brown sugar if desired) to make the meatloaf sauce.
- Add the sauce: After 40 minutes, spread the sauce over the meatloaf and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Rest the meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- Chili Sauce: This sauce is not spicy—it’s tangy and zesty, similar to a more flavorful ketchup. If you don’t have chili sauce, you can substitute with extra ketchup or a bit of BBQ sauce.
- Optional Additions: Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra flavor. You can also add raw onions, but cooked onions have a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Lean Meat: Use lean ground beef (80/20) for the best flavor without excess grease.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring it stays moist and doesn’t fall apart when sliced.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 270 IU
- Vitamin C: 3.2mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 3.5mg
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