Meatloaf Recipe

Our best Meatloaf recipe has a sweet and tangy bbq glaze. This Perfect Meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and better than you remember from childhood, give it a try tonight!

Whip up this family favorite and add a side of corn casserole with baked sweet potatoes (made in the Instant Pot). Don’t forget the side of Pistachio Fluff. The perfect midwest meal.

Meatloaf with glaze served on a plate with peas and sweet potato.


Why this Recipe Works

Growing up as a child of the 70’s, meatloaf was a staple on our family dinner table. I grew up eating this dinner, and to this day I still serve this classic meal to my family.

Only, now I’ve changed up the flavor. 

Or I should say, I’ve added MORE flavor. 

I’ve taken the traditional meat loaf recipe of childhood and added a tangy glaze of homemade bbq sauce. It’s so good! Especially when served with a side of au gratin potatoes!

When you hear people talk about mom’s meatloaf, this is why. Put away all your misconceptions about what makes a great meatloaf, and give this delicious dinner a try!

Favorite Beef Recipes: Swedish Meatballs | Beef Taco Skillet

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed for the best meatloaf with glaze.

For a tastier meatloaf, be sure to season it properly! And follow my tips for a juicy slice of beef.

  • Ground Beef- choose an 80 or 85% beef. Don’t opt for the super lean here, has the extra fat in the beef will result in a tender slice of meatloaf!
  • Seasonings- garlic powder, minced onion, kosher salt, and pepper help flavor the beef.
  • Dairy- milk and shredded cheese help create an incredibly MOIST meatloaf that will slice perfectly.
  • Oats- I opt for quick cook oats, but classic old fashioned will work fine too (and provide a chewier texture). Do not use steel cut oats in this recipe! If desired, you can swap out the oats for breadcrumbs instead!
  • Glaze- You’ll need brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard to create the tangy glaze on top. Even my condiment hating husband loves this meatloaf glaze!

How to make The Best Meatloaf

Step by step photos showing how to make meatloaf.

STEP 1:  Start with ground beef. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

STEP 2: Combine your ground in a bowl with minced onion, garlic powder, quick cook oats, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, kosher salt and pepper. Mix by hand or with a wooden spoon until combined.

STEP 3: Line a large baking sheet or shallow baking pan (make sure it has at least a 1″ side to collect any moisture or glaze) with aluminum foil. Shape your meat mixture into a loaf. Some people will use an actual loaf pan or bread pan, but I prefer the way it cooks on a baking sheet.

Next make your meatloaf glaze recipe.

STEP 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, light brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Spoon glaze over the top of your meatloaf. 

STEP 5: Bake in a preheated oven for about 55 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Mealoaf with glaze sliced on a black serving plate.

Recipe FAQs

Can I bake my meatloaf in a loaf pan?

YES! absolutely! You may want to line the pan with foil or parchment paper for easy release. I would use a 9-inch loaf pan, and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

How long do I cook meatloaf?

My classic meatloaf recipe will cook in a 350 degree oven for about 55 minutes. The key is to check the internal temperature, and remove from oven when it reaches 160 degrees F.

Can you freeze Meatloaf?

Yes. Wrap uncooked meatloaf in plastic wrap then wrap in foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Bake according to recipe directions.

Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

Meatloaf can fall apart if you don’t have anything to bind it together. Don’t skip adding the egg and milk to this recipe. It helps bind the beef together and keep it from crumbling.

What to do with Leftovers

One of my favorite things to eat for lunch is a leftover meatloaf sandwich.

But, if you find you’ve really made too much, you can wrap it and freeze your leftovers. Heat in microwave for a quick lunch.

Or, break up the cooked meatloaf and put in tacos!

Sliced meatloaf with glaze on a serving plate.

Serving Suggestions

I know it’s not the holidays, but we still love making this Sweet Potato Casserole year round! It’s sweet and delicious, and goes great with this BBQ meat loaf recipe!

Or serve with a side of roasted Dutch carrots for an easy, simple yet impressive dish.

If you’re going to serve the perfect meatloaf you should also serve the The Best Mac and Cheese. This homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is one of the dishes my kids request on a weekly basis. I’ll change it up sometimes and serve this Gouda Bacon Macaroni and Cheese too.

More Dinner Recipes

Meatloaf

4.69 from 58 votes
By: Aimee
Our best Meatloaf recipe has a sweet and tangy bbq glaze. This Perfect Meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and better than you remember from childhood, give it a try tonight!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 Tablespoon Minced Onion
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 cup Quick Cook Oatmeal
  • 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • ½ cup Milk any kind
  • 2 large Eggs
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • ½ cup Ketchup
  • ½ cup Light Brown Sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
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Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Combine your ground beef in a bowl with minced onion, garlic powder, quick cook oats, cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, salt and pepper. Mix by hand or with a wooden spoon until combined.
  • Line a large baking sheet or shallow baking pan (make sure it has at least a 1" side to collect any moisture or glaze) with aluminum foil. Shape your meat mixture into a loaf.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, light brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Spoon glaze over the top of your meatloaf. 
  • Bake in a preheated oven for about 55 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Can I bake my meatloaf in a loaf pan? YES! absolutely! You may want to line the pan with foil or parchment paper for easy release. I would use a 9-inch loaf pan, and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
  • How long do I cook meatloaf? My classic meatloaf recipe will cook in a 350 degree oven for about 55 minutes. The key is to check the internal temperature, and remove from oven when it reaches 160 degrees F.
  • Can you freeze Meatloaf? Yes. Wrap uncooked meatloaf in plastic wrap then wrap in foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Bake according to recipe directions.
  • Why does my meatloaf fall apart? Don’t skip adding the egg and milk to this recipe. It helps bind the beef together and keep it from crumbling.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 454kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 40g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 170mg, Sodium: 447mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 15g
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

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Classic Meatloaf recipe with a sweet and tangy bbq glaze. This Perfect Meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and better than you remember from childhood, give it a try tonight!



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About Aimee

Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

Learn more about Aimee.

Affiliate Disclosure:**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Shugary Sweets! See my disclosure policy for more info**

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Posted on January 31, 2022

Comments & Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    Nothing wrong with sugar recipes, but I also love breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes, gives me different ideas.

    Thank you.

  2. 5 stars
    WELL, I used to have a favorite recipe BUT now I have a new one. I am alone so I cut this recipe in half and proceeded to make it for my supper and of course sandwiches for lunches. Well, I have to tell you that this recipe is SO delicious. Love the ketchup topping, and I also put ketchup in mixture. I have printed a lot of shugarysweets recipes and I will start to make them.

  3. 5 stars
    I’ve made this meatloaf several times because it is my most favorite meatloaf. It comes out so juicy and full of flavor and I love the glaze. I even made one for my sister and her husband and they raved about how moist and flavorful it was. They own a restaurant so their standards are high. I’m so happy you shared this recipe because now I have a very best comfort food meatloaf. The leftovers are great too and make a delicious meatloaf sandwich. You won’t be disappointed if you try this recipe. The ingredients are simple (I love that) but the outcome is beyond. Thank you.

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