Classic Meatloaf Recipe – Tender, Juicy, and Easy to Make

If you've been searching for a juicy, old-fashioned meatloaf recipe that tastes just like mom used to make, this one delivers. It's tender on the inside, topped with a tangy glaze, and packed with all the classic flavors that make meatloaf such a comforting dinner.

This easy meatloaf recipe has been a family favorite for years, but it's just as simple to scale down when you're cooking for fewer people. You can cut the recipe in half, or make the full version and divide it into two smaller loaves.

Bake one now and freeze the other for later-you'll thank yourself on a busy night.

Wrapped tightly in foil, it keeps well in the freezer for a couple of months, ready to heat and serve when you want a homemade meal without extra work. And don't forget the leftovers-meatloaf slices make some of the best sandwiches you'll ever eat.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and flavorful - no dry meatloaf here.

• The glaze - a little sweet, a little tangy, the best part of every slice.

• Make-ahead friendly - prep it early in the day and pop it in the oven when you're ready.

• Flexible portions - I've included tips for a family-sized loaf and a scaled-down version for two.

• Classic comfort food - this is the recipe you'll come back to when you want something simple and satisfying.

Flavor-Boosting Tips

• Chop your veggies finely. A mix of carrots, onions, celery, and garlic gives the meatloaf tons of flavor. Use a food processor to make the prep quick and easy.

• The finer the vegetables are chopped, the more evenly they mix in, which helps the meatloaf hold together beautifully.

Tips for success: I use my Ninja Food Chopper Express all the time, and it's especially handy in an RV kitchen. It's the perfect size, easy to clean, and makes chopping vegetables quick and painless. I honestly reach for it almost every day.

• I usually swap plain breadcrumbs for garlic croutons, and it gives the meatloaf a little extra boost of flavor. It's also the perfect way to use up my leftover Homemade Garlic Butter Croutons. Day-old bread or panko work just as well, and if you want to go really old-school, my mom always used Saltine crackers.

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This recipe comes together easily in an RV kitchen. A standard loaf pan fits just fine in smaller ovens, and the smell of meatloaf baking makes the whole camper feel cozy.

I use the Ninja DT201 Foodi Air Fryer Oven in our RV, and honestly, I can't imagine cooking without it. It's been one of my best Amazon finds.

Classic Meatloaf Ingredients

For the meatloaf

• Ground Beef- Skip the lean meat for this one. The fat in an 80/20 blend melts as it bakes, keeping the meatloaf juicy and flavorful. If you're concerned about excess fat, bake it on a rimmed sheet pan instead of a loaf pan so it has a place to drain. You can always pour off what's left once it's done.

• Ground Pork- Blending pork with the beef gives the meatloaf a nice balance. The pork adds a subtle sweetness and keeps the texture lighter than using just beef on its own.

• Carrots, onions, garlic, and celery- When minced finely in your mini food processor, these aromatics will infuse the entire meatloaf with flavor.

• Milk, Ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce- These will add moisture and additional flavor.

• Eggs- Binding agent

• Garlic Croutons- You could also substitute these for day-old bread, Panko bread crumbs, or even crackers.

• Fresh Parsley- You could substitute dried, but fresh parsley adds a bright flavor and vibrant color.

• Seasonings- Oregano, salt, pepper, basil, paprika.

For the glaze

• Ketchup

• Apple cider vinegar

• Brown sugar

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Kosher salt

• Ground black pepper

• Cayenne pepper (optional)

How to Make This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

In a large bowl, let the croutons soak in the milk so they have time to soften while you prep everything else.

Add the carrot, celery, garlic, and onion to a mini food processor and pulse until the vegetables are finely chopped.

When the croutons have soaked up the milk, mash them into a paste with your fingers. Add the ground meat, minced vegetables, eggs, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Using clean hands, gently mix everything together just until combined.

Line a loaf pan (4x8-inch or 5x9-inch) with parchment paper, then add the meatloaf mixture, pressing it in gently to hold its shape. If you'd rather skip the pan, you can also form the mixture into a free-standing loaf on a rimmed baking sheet.

If you are making this in advance, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

Make the glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat. Stir until smooth. If you're prepping ahead, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove it from the oven, spoon the glaze over the top, and spread it evenly with a pastry brush.

Return the meatloaf to the oven, raise the temperature to 400°F, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 155°F.

Tips for success: If you are using the smaller loaf pans, you will need to decrease the cooking time. Check for doneness after about 30 minutes.

Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into individual slices and serving with your favorite sides.

What to Serve With This Classic Meatloaf

If you're ready to add this juicy meatloaf recipe to your dinner rotation, let's talk sides. I usually keep it classic with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, but there are so many ways you can go depending on what your family likes. Recently, I paired it with a Squash Casserole with Stuffing, and it was such a perfect match. Here are a few other side dish ideas to round out your meal.

Substitutions

Play around with different flavor options. Use this recipe as a guide and then...

• Try topping it with your favorite barbecue sauce instead of the glaze.

• Try using cracker crumbs or oatmeal in place of bread. 

• Mix in a different kind of meat like Italian sausage, and use marinara sauce to make an Italian-inspired version. 

Experiment with different ways to make your meatloaf taste just the way YOU like it. 

Meatloaf FAQ - Everything You Need to Know

Final Thoughts

This old-fashioned meatloaf recipe has earned its spot as a true comfort food classic. It's hearty, simple, and reliable-the kind of meal that never goes out of style. Whether you make the full version for a family dinner or a smaller meatloaf for two, you'll get tender slices, a tangy glaze, and maybe even the best part: a leftover meatloaf sandwich waiting for you the next day.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I'd love to know how it turned out! Leave a review or snap a quick photo and tag me on Facebook. 

Every time you share one of my recipes, it helps me grow this blog-and I'm so grateful for your support.

As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!