Favorite Classic Meatloaf Recipe – Oh Sweet Basil

A good classic meatloaf recipe should never be over-mixed, should always include a glaze, and the secret? Well, that’s in a combination of ground meat you don’t want to miss!

It seems like meatloaf is a divisive dish. You either love it or you hate it. I think it all depends on if you’ve had an amazingly awesome meatloaf like this one, or if you’ve only had mediocre meatloaf. We are making everyone into meatloaf lovers with this recipe!

Does it even matter who is coming to dinner if Mom’s meatloaf is on the menu? The flavor reminds me of home and it tastes just like mom made it! This is our favorite homemade meatloaf recipe plus every frequently asked question to help it turn out perfect every single time!

What Ingredients Do You Need for Classic Meatloaf?

Let’s start by talking about the ingredients you will need. I mentioned the combination of meat that makes the most outrageously delicious meatloaf, so here it is:

• Meat combination:
  • Beef Chuck (ground)
  • Pork (ground)
  • Veal (ground)

It is seriously the best! But if you want to keep it simple, you can use all lean ground beef chuck and it will be still be delicious.

These are the other ingredients you will need:

• Vegetable Oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrot
• Thyme
• Eggs
• Sea Salt
• Black Pepper
• Dijon Mustard
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Milk
• Ritz Crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• Fresh Parsley

Then we absolutely cannot forget about the glaze! It is my favorite part!! It is the perfect way to top this meatloaf:

• Ketchup
• Chili Sauce
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Brown Sugar
• Garlic
• Salt

The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make the Best Meatloaf:

Now that we know all the ingredients, let’s walk through each step of how to make this traditional meatloaf recipe. We are going to include a photo of each step as well. Here we go!

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place a skillet on your stove top and heat the oil over medium high heat.
2. Sauté: Add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet and cook until it soft. It should take about 5 minutes then set them aside to cool.
3. Glaze: While the veggies are cooking, I like to whisk together all the ingredients for the glaze so that it’s ready when I need it.
4. Whisk: Add the eggs, thyme, salt, pepper, and milk to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
5. Add: Then add in the mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce and whisk everything together.

Meat Mixture

1. Combine: Place your meat(s) in a large bowl and add the egg mixture to it. Also add the crackers, parsley, and the onions, carrots and garlic you sauteed. Mix everything together with a fork until thoroughly combined but be sure to not overmix it. The mixture should not stick to the bowl when it is stirred.
2. Form: Move the meat mixture into a loaf pan pressing it firmly down so that it is evenly distributed throughout the pan. Brush about a quarter of the glaze all over the top of the meatloaf. Place the meatloaf into the oven and bake it until the glaze is set (about 45 minutes).
3. Bake: When the glaze has set, pull the meatloaf out of the oven and top with another quarter of the glaze. Place it back into the oven and continue to bake it until the second coat has set and loaf is 160 degrees in the middle of the loaf (about 15 more minutes).
4. Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. While it is cooling, simmer the remaining glaze over medium heat until it has thickened slightly.
5. Slice: Now it is time to slice and serve! Slice the meatloaf and serve with the extra glaze. I like to put it in a little bowl and let people add extra if they want.

This meatloaf is so dang good! I want a slice right now! The complete recipe can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Meatloaf Video

What to Serve with Meatloaf?

This is a classic comfort food meal, so you need to have some classic comfort food sides. We love this meatloaf with some sort of potato side dish like mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or baked potatoes. Then just for good measure, we like to have a vegetable or salad side dish too. Green beans with bacon, lemon roasted broccoli, tomato mozzarella salad, or a delicious fruit salad are a few of our favorites!

How Make Meatloaf Moist?

One way to make meat loaf moist is to use high fat meats. Leaner meats will be dry out quickly, so using higher fat meat will keep it nice and tender. Another important part of making a moist meatloaf is to be sure to add moisture at every step. The eggs, milk, Worcestershire, ketchup and mustard are all important. Sauteing the vegetables is also a critical step to keeping the texture moist.

Why Does My Meatloaf Fall Apart?

The binders, like egg and bread crumbs that we add to meatloaf are what keep it all together. If your meatloaf falls apart, more binders need to be added the next time you make it. Meatloaf will also fall apart if it gets too dry by overcooking it.

Can Meatloaf Have a Little Pink?

It is possible to cook meatloaf to a safe temperature and for it to still be a little pink. If your meatloaf has reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center, then it is perfectly safe to eat.

How Do You Know When Meatloaf is Done?

When a meat thermometer inserted at the thickest portion of the meatloaf reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit your meatloaf is done and safe to eat.

Can Meatloaf Be Made Without Eggs?

Eggs are a key binder for meatloaf, but there are a few alternatives that can be used. You can use 1/4 cup of tomato sauce, beef broth or unsweetened applesauce.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf Before Baking?

Meatloaf is a great meal to freeze beforehand. Prepare the meatloaf as the instructions state including adding the glaze on the top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze for a few hours. Then pull the pan out and wrap the whole pan in plastic wrap. If you have a freezer bag that is big enough, place the whole pan in a bag and seal it.

When you are ready to eat it, place the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator so it can thaw for about 24 hours. Remove the bag and plastic wrap and let it come to room temperature. Bake it according to the instructions.

How Long Will Meatloaf Keep?

For cooked meatloaf, leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator will last for 3-4 days. If you want it to last a little longer, try freezing it wrapped in heavy foil and stored in an airtight container. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can Meatloaf Be Cooked in a Crock Pot?

Absolutely! Follow all the instructions as listed, but rather than placing the meat mixture into a pan, place it on a large piece of foil and form it into a symmetrical loaf shape. Top the meatloaf with half of the glaze and place the meatloaf with the foil underneath it into the crock pot. Cook on low for 6 hours.

You can’t go wrong with Mom’s recipe, especially this classic meatloaf recipe! Invite over some new friends and enjoy this comfort food together!

More Comfort Meals You’ll Love: