This Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe delivers everything you love about classic comfort food — juicy beef, savory seasoning, and a perfectly caramelized glaze on top. It’s the kind of homemade dinner that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles. Ideal for family dinners, Sunday meals, or meal prep nights, this meatloaf stays moist, flavorful, and delicious every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this homemade meatloaf because it’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and turns out perfectly tender every time. The combination of lean ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and quick oats gives it the right texture — while the sweet ketchup glaze adds just the right balance of tang and caramelized goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or saving leftovers for sandwiches, this classic meatloaf recipe never disappoints.

Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe

There’s something timeless about a perfectly baked meatloaf — it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no questions asked. This Best Ever Meatloaf Recipe captures that classic home-cooked goodness with a simple method that never fails. Juicy on the inside, flavorful from edge to edge, and finished with a glossy glaze, it’s pure comfort on a plate.

Unlike many recipes that end up dry or dense, this one stays tender thanks to a balance of eggs, quick oats, and tomato sauce, which bind the ingredients together while locking in moisture. Each slice holds its shape beautifully, with a soft, meaty texture that melts in your mouth.

The onion and Worcestershire sauce bring a depth of savory flavor that transforms this meatloaf from ordinary to unforgettable. A touch of garlic salt and onion salt enhances the beef without overpowering it, while the mild sweetness from the glaze topping ties it all together.

That glaze deserves a spotlight of its own — a simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard that caramelizes as it bakes. It adds a shiny finish, a subtle sweetness, and a tang that perfectly balances the rich, meaty flavor underneath.

You’ll find that this meatloaf recipe works for every season and every occasion. It’s hearty enough for winter dinners but light enough to enjoy any time of year. Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted carrots, and you’ve got a complete comfort meal that’s satisfying and classic.

For busy nights, this recipe is a time-saver too. You can mix it up in minutes, bake it while you prep sides, and have a warm, homey meal on the table with minimal effort. Leftovers are just as good — slice it for sandwiches, crumble it over pasta, or serve it reheated with a fried egg for a cozy breakfast.

This recipe is also incredibly forgiving. You can swap out the quick oats for breadcrumbs, use ground turkey instead of beef, or even sneak in some finely chopped veggies for extra nutrition. It’s the kind of flexible base that works for every household’s taste.

One of the best parts about this Best Ever Meatloaf is its nostalgic factor. It tastes like the meatloaf you grew up with — the kind your mom or grandmother made — but with just a little modern touch to make it even better. It’s comfort food perfected, made to be shared and savored.

Every home cook needs a go-to recipe like this one. It’s easy enough for beginners, delicious enough for Sunday dinner, and consistent enough to become part of your weekly rotation. You’ll bake it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe box.

So, if you’re craving a juicy, flavorful, classic meatloaf, this recipe will hit every note — rich, savory, tender, and topped with that irresistible glaze that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 2 pounds lean ground beef

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 3/4 cup quick oats

• 1 onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)

• 1 tsp garlic salt

• 1 tsp onion salt

• 1/2 tsp ground pepper

Glaze Topping

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, eggs, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, quick oats, garlic salt, onion salt, and pepper.

3. Mix gently with clean hands or a wooden spoon until just combined — do not overmix.

4. Transfer mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into an even loaf.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.

6. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

7. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, then remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.

8. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

9. Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

10. Slice, serve, and enjoy with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Tips

• Rest before slicing: This helps keep the meatloaf juicy.

• Add-ins: Mix in chopped bell peppers, carrots, or parsley for extra flavor.

• Make-ahead: Prep the meatloaf mixture in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

• Glaze upgrade: Add a dash of hot sauce or honey for a twist.