Best 13 Traditional Meat Loaf Recipes

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Traditional meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, but at its core, it is a mixture of ground meat, bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings, all baked together in a loaf pan. The result is a hearty, savory, and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion gathering. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this classic dish is a must-try for any home cook looking to create a delicious and memorable meal.

Let's cook with our recipes!

TOP RATED CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Top Rated Classic Meatloaf image

My family enjoyed the slightly spicy taste of this meatloaf. This recipe, submitted by a local DJ, was in our local paper.

Provided by Rosemary Chapman

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h40m

Yield 1 Meatloaf, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 cup cracker crumb
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, egg, onion and tomato sauce.
  • Mix lightly.
  • Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, water, mustard and vinegar.
  • Brush the loaf with this mixture.
  • Place meat loaf in oven and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce.

EASY MEATLOAF



Easy Meatloaf image

This is a very easy and no fail recipe for meatloaf. It won't take long to make at all, and it's quite good!

Provided by Janet Caldwell

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
⅓ cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and bread OR cracker crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, or form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.1 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 334.6 mg, Sugar 8.5 g

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Keep this meatloaf recipe handy: It's the only one you'll need.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds ground meatloaf mix (equal parts ground beef, pork and veal or turkey)
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  • Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
  • Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

TRADITIONAL MEAT LOAF



Traditional Meat Loaf image

Topped with a sweet sauce, this traditional meat loaf recipe tastes so good that you might want to double it so everyone can have seconds. It also freezes well. -Gail Graham, Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 slices bread
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2/3 cup 2% milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
GLAZE:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared mustard

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Tear bread into 2-inch pieces; place in a blender. Cover and pulse to form coarse crumbs; transfer to a large bowl. Stir in egg, milk, cheese, onion, carrot, salt and pepper. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. , In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients; spread over loaf. Bake 60-75 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Freeze option: Bake meat loaf without glaze. Securely wrap cooled meat loaf in foil, then freeze. To use, partially thaw meat loaf in refrigerator overnight. Prepare and spread glaze over top; reheat on a greased shallow baking pan in a preheated 350° oven until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 394 calories, Fat 21g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 128mg cholesterol, Sodium 843mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

EASY OLD FASHIONED MEATLOAF



Easy Old Fashioned Meatloaf image

No fancy ingredients here... Not like we need another meatloaf recipe, but I figured I'd should post my Grandma's for people like me who like a quick easy meatloaf without a lot of fuss. Most of the meatloaves I saw here had things I'd never even consider putting in a meatloaf! :) At times I will substitute the onion with approx. 1/4 cup dried onion flakes. I also have substituted the garlic with garlic powder. I've never tried making it with horseradish. (I was a notoriously picky eater as a kid so I don't think Grandma put it in when I came to visit either.) I usually don't bother beating the egg... (Boy do I sound lazy! Don't tell Mom! LOL!) I've only recently started putting ketchup on the top before baking, so I don't think it's necessary to keep the meatloaf moist. Mom used to use her own dried bread crumbs, but I use the plain storebought kind. I haven't been adventurous enough to try any flavored bread crumbs... Make sure lean ground beef is used otherwise the meatloaf can get too greasy and/or bubble over the pan while baking. I also recommend checking the center to make sure it's done. On occasion it has taken over an hour to bake.

Provided by nranger7

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup ketchup
1 clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 dash pepper
1 medium finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)

Steps:

  • Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
  • Shape in loaf pan.
  • Cover with more ketchup if desired.
  • Bake one hour at 350 degrees.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 97, Sodium 861.5, Carbohydrate 8.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 4.3, Protein 24.3

BEST EVER MEAT LOAF



Best Ever Meat Loaf image

The best meat loaf I have ever found. Try it and you will see.

Provided by Matt O

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 eggs
⅔ cup milk
2 teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 slices bread, crumbled
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded carrot
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Add crumbled bread and stir until dissolved. Mix ground beef, onion, Cheddar cheese, and carrot into bread mixture; transfer mixture to a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Combine brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl; spread over meat mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 409.5 calories, Carbohydrate 22.3 g, Cholesterol 155 mg, Fat 22.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 28.4 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 1227.3 mg, Sugar 14.4 g

EASY CLASSIC MEAT LOAF



Easy Classic Meat Loaf image

"My mother made this tender, moist meat loaf at least every other week-and always served it with scalloped potatoes. It was one of my favorite meals growing up." You'll be amazed by all the flavor from just a handful of pantry ingredients! Helen Lipko - Martinsburg, PA

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 egg, lightly beaten
1 can (5-1/2 ounces) V8 juice
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 envelope onion soup mix
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/3 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the egg, V8 juice, bread crumbs, soup mix, cheese and garlic powder. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Pat into an ungreased 9x5-in. loaf pan., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50 minutes. Spread ketchup over top; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 679mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MOM'S MEAT LOAF



Mom's Meat Loaf image

Mom made the best meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I first met my husband, he didn't care for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. -Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup 2% milk
2/3 cup finely crushed saltines
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
Dash pepper
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into an 8x4-in. loaf in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan., In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients, stirring to dissolve sugar; remove 1/2 cup for sauce. Spread remaining mixture over meat loaf., Bake 60-65 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 135mg cholesterol, Sodium 1092mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 26g protein.

HOME-STYLE MEATLOAF



Home-Style Meatloaf image

When it's comfort that you seek, nothing satisfies quite like a classic meatloaf. And if you don't have a go-to recipe, we offer you this one. It skips any fussy steps and avoids exotic ingredients. This is pure and simple, the perfectly seasoned, down-home version you remember from way way back. So next time you're missing mama's cooking or need a meal that'll go over well with the whole fam, turn to this can't-miss recipe.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix Meatloaf ingredients well. Press mixture in ungreased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake 40 minutes.
  • Remove from oven. Spread 1/4 cup ketchup evenly over top. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of loaf reads 160°F. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 110 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 470 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 0 g

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Good meatloaf is about as comforting as comfort food gets. Thankfully, meatloaf doesn't have to be complex to be good. It just needs to be tender (from breadcrumbs soaked in milk and gentle handling) and flavorful (from onion, garlic, and ketchup).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 slices white sandwich bread
1/3 cup whole milk
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 medium onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
1/2 cup ketchup
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place bread in food processor; pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in milk. Set aside, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add bread-milk mixture, and mix very gently with a fork (do not overmix).
  • Place meat mixture on prepared baking sheet, and form into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide.
  • Bake, brushing twice with remaining 1/4 cup ketchup during baking, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 g, Fat 33 g, Protein 29 g

TRADITIONAL MEATLOAF



Traditional Meatloaf image

This is a recipe I found in a Gooseberry Patch cookbook. I've modified the recipe a bit. Even my husband who doesn't particularly like meatloaf LOVED it. It can be frozen too!

Provided by L-Burden

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup red pepper
1/2 cup green pepper
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 eggs
3/4 cup ketchup, divided
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, plus
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 lbs ground beef
3/4 cup breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Melt butter in large non-stick skillet.
  • Add onion, pepper, and garlic.
  • Cook Uncovered until soft.
  • Meanwhile, beat eggs with fork in large bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup ketchup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
  • Add onion mixture, meat, and bread crumbs.
  • Mix until all ingredients are well blended.
  • Shape into a loaf and place in a 9x5-inch pan.
  • Spoon on remaining ketchup.
  • Bake at 375°F for one hour and 15 minutes or until meat thermometer reads 155°F.
  • Let stand about 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355.7, Fat 20.4, SaturatedFat 8.1, Cholesterol 134.6, Sodium 605.5, Carbohydrate 17, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 7.4, Protein 25.3

TRADITIONAL MEATLOAF



Traditional Meatloaf image

My daughter hated meat loaf until I made this recipe adapted from other recipes I have read. Now she wants it once a week. I think it is the sweet topping that made the difference.

Provided by Karen From Colorado

Categories     Meat

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumb
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1/4 cup catsup
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard or 1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Steps:

  • Combine eggs, milk, and Worcestershire.
  • Stir in crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, sage, chili powder, and garlic powder.
  • Add beef and mix well using wet hands; place in a 8x4x2 inch loaf pan.
  • Bake in a 350F oven for 1 1/4 hours; drain off any excess fat.
  • Mix together catchup, brown sugar, and mustard; spread over meat and return to oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 304.2, Fat 14.8, SaturatedFat 6, Cholesterol 140, Sodium 696.6, Carbohydrate 14, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 4.8, Protein 27.6

EASY AND QUICK MEATLOAF



Easy and Quick Meatloaf image

I found this recipe while searching for a easy and quick meatloaf. I added a few ingredients on my own (green pepper, red pepper and cheese) and it turned out great. My family had it with white rice and hashbrowns and loved it. Now i make it every Sunday.

Provided by sissacd

Categories     Meatloaf

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread or 1 cup cracker crumb
salt
pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1/3 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • 2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and bread OR cracker crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 5x9 inch loaf pan, OR form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • 3. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
  • 4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.1, Fat 15.8, SaturatedFat 6.2, Cholesterol 85.3, Sodium 417.8, Carbohydrate 26.9, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 7.8, Protein 20.8

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground meat: A combination of ground beef and ground pork is a classic choice for meatloaf, but you can also use all beef, all pork, or a mixture of other ground meats, such as lamb, veal, or turkey.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your meatloaf will taste. Look for fresh, lean ground meat and use fresh vegetables and herbs.
  • Season your meatloaf well: Meatloaf is a great way to use up leftover herbs and spices. Season your meatloaf generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
  • Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture will make it tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
  • Shape the meatloaf into a loaf: Use your hands to shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape. Place the meatloaf in a baking dish.
  • Bake the meatloaf at a high temperature: Bake the meatloaf at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf.

Conclusion:

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its simple ingredients and versatile flavor, meatloaf is a dish that can be enjoyed for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty dish to serve at a special occasion, meatloaf is a great choice.

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