There’s nothing more comforting than a classic meatloaf, and this version is tender, moist, and packed with flavor. With a sweet-savory glaze and perfectly seasoned meat, it’s a crowd-pleasing main course that your whole family will love.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly meals, this meatloaf is simple to make yet impressively flavorful. Using lean ground beef and a homemade glaze, you get the ideal combination of protein, texture, and comfort food satisfaction.
Whether you serve it hot with mashed potatoes or slice it cold for sandwiches, this meatloaf is a timeless recipe that’s hard to beat.
Look at the Recipe
- Juicy, tender meatloaf with a caramelized glaze
- Easy to prepare in about an hour
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer meals
Ingredients Needed
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (85/15% or 93/7% lean)
- ¼ cup bread crumbs (1 slice bread made into crumbs)
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
How to Make Our Best Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (175°C).
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, BBQ sauce, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add ground beef, onions, and bread crumbs. Stir until well combined.
- Line a wire rack with aluminum foil (poke holes for airflow) and place it on a baking sheet.
- Form the mixture into a large loaf (about 10” x 5” x 2”).
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven, spread glaze on top, and bake for 10 more minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Optional: Broil for 2–4 minutes to caramelize the top.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
- Let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Tips & FAQs
Q: Can I make this meatloaf healthier?
A: Use lean ground beef, turkey, or a mix of beef and turkey. Reduce brown sugar or use a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Q: Can I make my own breadcrumbs?
A: Yes! Toast one slice of bread at 375°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, then pulse in a blender until fine crumbs form.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Slice before freezing for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I substitute ingredients?
A: Half-and-half or cream can replace milk; garlic powder works in place of fresh garlic; dark brown sugar can replace light brown sugar; use any onion variety.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Store in the fridge up to 5 days; freeze individual slices for 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or use slices in protein-packed sandwiches.
