The Best Meatloaf Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy to Make

This Best Meatloaf Recipe is a family favorite, bringing together lean ground beef, aromatic seasonings, and breadcrumbs for a moist, flavorful loaf. The addition of sautéed onions and Italian seasoning ensures each bite is bursting with savory goodness. Topped with a zesty chili sauce and ketchup glaze, the meatloaf bakes to perfection, offering a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. Whether served with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese, this dish is ideal for a comforting meal. You can substitute some beef with ground turkey or add Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers also make great sandwiches!

Ingredients

• For the meatloaf:
  
  

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 preferred)
    
    

  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
    
    

  • 1 tsp butter
    
    

  • 2 large eggs
    
    

  • 3/4 cup milk
    
    

  • 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
    
    

  • 1 tbsp ketchup or chili sauce
    
    

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    
    

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or 2 tsp dried parsley
    
    

  • 1 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
    
    

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    
    

• For the sauce:
  
  

  • 1/2 cup chili sauce
    
    

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
    
    

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
    
    

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
   
   

2. In a small pan, cook the diced onions with butter over medium-low heat until tender. Let them cool.
   
   

3. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soak.
   
   

4. Add the ground beef, cooked onions, ketchup (or chili sauce), Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
   
   

5. Form the mixture into an 8"x4" loaf shape on the prepared baking pan.
   
   

6. Bake for 40 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the chili sauce and ketchup with brown sugar (if using).
   
   

7. After 40 minutes, spread the sauce mixture over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15–30 minutes or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
   
   

8. Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired to caramelize the glaze.
   
   

9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 403 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 21g
  
  

• Protein: 23g
  
  

• Fat: 25g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 10g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
  
  

• Trans Fat: 1g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 110mg
  
  

• Sodium: 633mg
  
  

• Potassium: 511mg
  
  

• Fiber: 1g
  
  

• Sugar: 11g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 411IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 6mg
  
  

• Calcium: 88mg
  
  

• Iron: 3mg