Mom's Meatloaf is simply the best! This classic recipe has only a few ingredients and is so easy to make. It's the most delicious, tender, juicy and easy meatloaf recipe.
The humble meatloaf. It's not the prettiest of entrees, but it's one of the most delicious. Along with Spinach and Sausage Lasagna, Turkey Meatloaf with Mushrooms and Meatball Stroganoff, I make this traditional meatloaf recipe a few times a month for my personal chef clients. They never tire of comfort food dishes.
Back in the day, I loved my Mom's meatloaf. It was a frequent dish served for our family's dinner. But unfortunately I never got her original recipe.
So now I'm the mom of Mom's Meatloaf. My grown and on their own kids still ask for me to make meatloaf when they come to visit. And my husband would love if there was a juicy meatloaf on standby in the refrigerator at all times.
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Why you'll love this classic meatloaf recipe
I've tinkered with quite a few meatloaf recipes over the years. Fans of a classic meatloaf will love that this recipe is
- Easy to make ~ Mix the ingredients in one bowl. Bake the meatloaf mixture in a baking pan. That's it!
- A juicy and flavorful meatloaf ~ The meatloaf is always juicy, it holds its shape and is never crumbly or dry, and it's super flavorful.
- Affordable ~ Relatively inexpensive ingredients are transformed into a delicious and easy meal.
- A delicious leftover ~ Meatloaf tastes even better a couple days after it is made. A thick slice of meatloaf tucked between slices of bread along with some ketchup is amazing!.
Ingredients & substitutions
Gather simple ingredients and for the best meatloaf. If substitutes can be made to the recipe, they're listed. Scroll to the recipe card for a full list of ingredients.
- Meatloaf mix - It's a combination of ground beef, pork and veal. If your store doesn't carry premade meatloaf mix, combine 1 pound ground beef with ½ pound each of ground pork and veal. 2 pounds of ground turkey can be used as an alternative.
- Onion - I like yellow onions in this traditional meatloaf recipe. A sweet onion such a Vidalia is an alternative.
- Celery
- Large eggs
- Seasoned breadcrumbs ~ Seasoned panko can also be used in the recipe.
- Ketchup ~ For a smoky sweet flavor, substitute barbecue sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce ~ In a pinch, use soy sauce.
- Kosher salt ~ The larger grain salt enhances the flavor of food without making it overly salty.
- Fresh ground black pepper ~ It's more flavorful than already ground pepper.
How to make meatloaf
It's super easy to make a meatloaf. Combine the simple ingredients using everyday kitchen tools to make the best meatloaf recipe. This is a brief overview of the recipe. Scroll to the recipe card for the complete instructions.
- Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Next grab a bowl and add the meatloaf mix, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, ¾ of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt and pepper. Gently yet thoroughly combine the ingredients.
- Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for about an hour.
Hint
So your meatloaf doesn't fall apart, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Variations
Try some of these variations to make the recipe one of your favorites.
- Spicy ~ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
- Cheesy ~ During the last 10 minutes of baking time, top the meatloaf with a cup of shredded or crumbled mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss or blue cheese.
- Vegetable ~ Add a cup of finely chopped zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, or mushrooms.
- Pesto ~ Omit the ketchup. Stir in ¼ cup prepared pesto along with the meatloaf ingredients. Spread 2-3 tablespoons on top of the meatloaf before cooking it.
Expert tips
- Use a combination of 3 ground beef, pork and veal to give Mom's Meatloaf its delicious rich flavor. This "meatloaf mix" is available in many grocery store meat departments.
- Finely chop the onion and celery and add them raw along with the other ingredients. The vegetables cook along with the rest of the ingredients making the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients. But go gently as you don't want to compact the ingredients as it will result in a dense tough meatloaf.
- Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Fold up the edges of the foil about an inch or so to catch the grease from the meatloaf.
Frequently asked questions
Add wet ingredients ~ Eggs, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce not only keep meatloaf juicy, they add delicious flavor.
Use raw onion and celery ~ Including finely chopped raw onion and celery in the recipe also adds to the juiciness of the meatloaf.
Don't overmix the ingredients ~ Overzealous mixing leads to a tough, dry meatloaf. Just don't do it.
To keep your meatloaf from falling apart, use a combination of ground meats (beef, pork and veal), use binders including eggs and breadcrumbs. Also, let the meatloaf cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it.
Use a digital thermometer to check for when the meatloaf is perfectly cooked. An internal temperature of 160 degrees F in the center of the meatloaf is what you are after.
Meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It'll stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I love these meal prep containers for storage. To freeze meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tuck it into a resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Microwave at 60% power for 1 to 2 minutes. Or bake covered in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
What to serve with meatloaf
Serve the meatloaf with Crispy Oven Fries or Garlic Butter Mushrooms with Blue Cheese. These are my favorite dishes to serve with this dish:
More recipes like this one
one more thing
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a comment and a star rating below. Share it on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
Thanks ~ Amy
Recipe
Mom's Meatloaf ~ Simply the Best Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds meatloaf mix a combination of ground beef, pork and veal
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup ketchup divided
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Fold the foil edges up about an inch to catch the grease from the meatloaf.
- In a large bowl, add the meatloaf mix, eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, onion, celery, ¾ cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt and pepper. Gently combine the ingredients.
- Form a loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining ¼ cup of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a digital thermometer registers 160 degrees F when inserted in the center of the meatloaf.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use a combination of 3 ground meats - beef, pork and veal - to give Mom's Meatloaf its delicious rich flavor. This "meatloaf mix" is available in many grocery store meat departments.
- Finely chop the onion and celery and add them raw along with the other ingredients. The vegetables cook along with the rest of the ingredients making the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients. But go gently as you don't want to compact the ingredients as it will result in a dense tough meatloaf.
- Skip the pan and make a free form loaf on a rimmed baking sheet. With more exposed surface area, the meatloaf will get nice and caramelized.
- Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Fold up the edges of the foil about an inch or so to catch the grease from the meatloaf.
- Use a digital thermometer to check for when the meatloaf is perfectly cooked. An internal temperature of 16o F in the center of the meatloaf is what you are after.
- Allow about 10 minutes of cooling time so the meatloaf doesn't fall apart when cutting it.
Nutrition
Rosary De Filippis says
I love this recipe! It reminds me of my mom’s meatloaf- easy but also practical tips like don’t overwork it and mix it gently - thank you Amy!
Amy Casey says
I'm so happy that you enjoyed my meatloaf recipe Rosary! I've been making this recipe for longer than I can remember. 🙂
Amy Casey says
It is just the BEST!
Amy Casey says
I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Alex says
I'd never had meatloaf mix before, as I didn't know it existed, and it was amazing! As was your recipe! So much better than my usual recipe. Thanks a ton.
Amy Casey says
Meatloaf mix is my go to for meatballs too.
Katie Crenshaw says
My meatloaf came out just as promised-juicy, tender, and flavorful! This is definitely a winner recipe.
Amy Casey says
Thank you so much Katie!
Amy Casey says
Thanks! I think I like leftover meatloaf the best.
Amy Casey says
So glad you enjoyed my recipe Evi.
Adriana says
Meatloaf is such a classic. I lost my mom's recipe. This one came in handy as my husband loves meatloaf. Thanks for the inspiration. It came out perfect.
Amy Casey says
That's awesome Adriana. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Maggie says
I wasn't raised with meatloaf, but my husband was. He wanted me try to make it. I found your recipe, and he said it tasted just like his mom. 🙂
Amy Casey says
I love to hear that Maggie. I so glad your husband enjoyed my recipe.
Allyssa says
Delicious and really tasty! Thank you so much for sharing this very flavorful meatloaf recipe! Will have this again, well done!
Amy Casey says
Thank you Allyssa 🙂