Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe | Juicy, Tender, and Flavor-Packed

Nothing says nostalgia like a slice of homemade meatloaf! This recipe is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, the kind of comforting dinner that takes you straight back to childhood. Perfectly seasoned, topped with a sweet-savory glaze, and baked to perfection, this is the only meatloaf recipe you’ll ever need.

►Full written recipe: https://thecookingfoodie.com/recipe/classic-meatloaf/

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RECIPE:
Ingredients:
For the meatloaf mixture:
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 Onion, chopped
3 Garlic cloves, crushed
2 pounds (900g) Ground beef, 85% lean
2 tablespoons Ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Eggs, large
1/3 cup (80ml) Milk
3/4 cup (60g) Breadcrumbs
2-3 tablespoons Parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
For the meatloaf sauce:
3/4 cup (175g) Ketchup
1 tablespoon Brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Onion powder (optional)

Directions:
1. Prep and sauté: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. You’ll be shaping the meatloaf by hand directly on the tray.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until soft and lightly golden. Add crushed garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more, just until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined, don’t overmix or the meatloaf will turn dense.
4. Shape and bake: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking tray and shape it into a loaf with your hands. Smooth the top and sides for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, uncovered, until the top begins to brown.
5. Make the glaze: Meanwhile, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional spices.
6. Glaze and finish baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the glaze evenly on top, and return to the oven.
Bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.