Easy Classic Meatloaf
The Best Easy Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Optional Spicy Glaze!
This is the ultimate comfort food and the best basic meatloaf recipe you'll ever make. It's simple to mix up, bakes perfectly in the oven, and comes out juicy and tender every time. It's a weeknight dinner winner that feeds the whole family and makes amazing leftovers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 60-65 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes rest) Servings: 8
Ingredients:
2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1 cup dry breadcrumbs (Panko or plain)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup (for the mix)
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce For a Spicy twist, whisk 1/4 cup of Blazing Citrus Medium into your glaze (replacing 1/4 cup of the ketchup or BBQ sauce) before brushing it onto the loaf. This adds a fantastic, Everyday Heat and a bright, citrusy finish to the classic sweet-and-tangy topping.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of ketchup. Gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
2. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan, or on a foil-lined baking sheet for a freer-form loaf.
3. Prepare the glaze by whisking together the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the top.
5. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
For a cheesier loaf, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the meat mixture before shaping.
Bake on a rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet for a less greasy loaf, allowing the fat to drip away.
Add finely minced garlic (2 cloves) or a tablespoon of dried herbs like oregano or thyme for more depth of flavor.
Other Users Suggest
Replace: 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
New Measurement: 1 cup crushed saltine crackers
Why: This adds a subtle, buttery flavor and a great texture that holds the loaf together even better.
Replace: 1/2 cup milk
New Measurement: 1/2 cup beef broth
Why: Using broth instead of milk deepens the savory, beefy flavor profile.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Slice individual portions and reheat them gently in a microwave or a 300°F oven until warmed through to prevent drying out.
Freeze: Fully cooked and cooled meatloaf slices can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) Based on 8 servings Calories: 320 Protein: 28g Carbs: 20g Fat: 14g
Explore More Recipes from Eleven Eleven Sauce
© Eleven Eleven Sauce. All Rights Reserved 2025
