Moist Meatloaf Recipe

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This really is the BEST Meatloaf Recipe out there! It has never received less than a 5-star rating and receives RAVE reviews from everyone who tries it. Moist and delicious, this easy-to-make meatloaf with sweet ketchup glaze will leave you wanting more. Delicious served with mashed potatoes and maple glazed carrots.

Why You’ll Love This Moist Meatloaf Recipe

You’re ten simple ingredients away from making the best meatloaf ever! This is a classic recipe that is easy to follow and the sweet ketchup glaze is quite literally the icing on the top. If you’re hesitant about cooking or have never made meatloaf before, worry not! Read through this post to get all my tips and tricks for a delicious meal. Pay special attention to my milk and bread crumbs tip because THAT is the KEY to this tender meatloaf.

Moist Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground Beef– I like to use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content for this recipe. By doing so helps make this meatloaf moist and tender. I aim to find 80/20.
• Onion
• Bread Crumbs– seasoned bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Milk– adds moisture. Whole or 2% is preferred.
• Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning)
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire
• Ketchup + Brown Sugar (for glaze on top)

What is the secret to moist Meatloaf?

Well, there are a number of things that I do to keep a meatloaf moist, tender and delicious! Here are the basics:

• Fat Content. Using a ground beef that has a slightly higher fat content can definitely help keep your meatloaf moist and tender. A lean or extra lean ground beef (like 90/10 or 93/7) makes a tough meatloaf because it lacks the fat. Try to aim for 80/20.
• Add Sautéed Veggies. I like sautéing some onions in olive oil until they are brown and adding this to the meat mixture. This not only adds flavor but extra moisture to keep your meatloaf tender and juicy.
• Add Milk. I know this seems like a weird ingredient, but milk makes a huge difference! Milk adds moisture and it helps keeps the meat tender.
• Use Breadcrumbs. Seasoned breadcrumbs add another layer of flavor and act sort of like a ‘filler’. But it has an important job! Breadcrumbs absorb the milk as well as the fat from the meat as it cooks, helping to lock in moisture, keeping your meatloaf delicious.
• Do NOT Overmix. To avoid a dense meatloaf, combine the ingredients JUST until incorporated.
• Season the Meat Well. This recipe makes a large meatloaf, so it needs plenty of salt and pepper. At least a tablespoon of each. Also, Worcestershire adds depth of flavor, so don’t forget it!
• Add a Glaze. Whether you brush on a homemade glaze or use plain old ketchup, this adds a sweet flavor which compliments the savory meatloaf and yes, you guessed it, helps hold moisture in.
• Cover the Meatloaf When Baking. Again, retaining moisture is the name of the game, so while this meatloaf recipe is in the oven, be sure to cover it with foil. In the last 15 minutes, feel free to remove to get that glaze nice and sticky. Yum!

Why Do You Put Milk in Meatloaf?

Like I mentioned above, milk adds moisture and fat that the breadcrumbs absorb that keep this recipe moist and tender. I use the same method with meatballs and even turkey burgers. Milk is a magic ingredient that makes a big difference. Try to use whole or 2% milk where you can. Of course 1% or skim milk works just fine! A nondairy substitute would also work in place of the milk as well.

How to Make Moist Meatloaf

Here is my ultimate guide on how to make this easy meatloaf recipe. For full recipe details, including ingredients measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the best meatloaf ever!

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a half sheet pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Do I Need a Special Pan For Meatloaf? No! You may have seen a special ‘meatloaf pan’ out there which look like a cross between a loaf pan, a springform pan, and a colander. But let me be the first to tell you, you don’t need it to make moist, flavorful meatloaf. With my recipe, you only need a baking sheet lined with foil. A glass baking dish also works in a pinch. You can also just use two plain loaf pans that you would use for bread, but I personally don’t like all the fat collecting in the pan; I like forming it into a loaf shape on a sheet pan and letting any extra fat cook out and end up on the pan instead of in the meatloaf.

2. Make Meatloaf Mixture

In a large skillet, saute onions in olive oil until tender and browned. Pour into a large bowl.

To the onions, add in ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, seasonings, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until completely combined. Don’t forget to season well with salt and black pepper.

Pro Tip: To test for seasonings, pinch out a small amount of the meat and form a thin patty. Cook in a pan on the stovetop, then taste. Add more salt and pepper as needed.

3. Form Your Meatloaf Log and Add the Glaze

Form into a long log on the prepared baking sheet and flatten the top. It should fill the pan lengthwise.

Whisk ketchup together with brown sugar and spread over the top of the meatloaf.

What Can I Put on Top of Meatloaf Instead of Ketchup? I kept things easy by glazing this meatloaf recipe with a combination of ketchup and brown sugar. Ketchup is a simple yet traditional topping to meatloaf that locks in the moisture while also providing its signature sweet vinegary taste. If you don’t like ketchup or for whatever reason don’t want to use ketchup as a glaze, here are a few other options: BBQ sauce, Grated Cheddar Cheese, Marinara Sauce (for an Italian meatloaf), Salsa (for a Mexican inspired meatloaf), Strips of Bacon or Cream of Mushroom Soup.

4. Bake

Bake covered with foil at 350° F until cooked all the way through to at least 160° F. Feel free to remove the foil after about 40 minutes of cooking to really caramelize that glaze. Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve.

Meatloaf Cooking Time

The general rule of thumb here is to cook a meatloaf 30 minutes per pound of beef. This is at the oven temperature of 350° F. Cooking times will vary because no two ovens are alike. Plus the thinner and flatter you make your loaf the quicker it will cook. I baked mine for about an hour, you may need more time.

What Internal Temperature is Meatloaf Done?

Use an instant read meat thermometer to check for doneness. If it reads 160° F or more, you’re good to go. Over baking can dry it out though, so be careful.

Storage Directions

Lucky for you, this meatloaf recipe saves well! Cover leftover meatloaf with plastic wrap or airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven. 

To Freeze

You can also freeze this meatloaf recipe. With this method, it can last up to four months in the freezer. After baking, let your loaf cool to room temperature. Cover in foil, then seal it in a plastic freezer bag.

Reheat. Let thaw for 24 hours in your fridge before baking. Then bake at 350° F until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.

Make Ahead Instructions

Besides measuring ingredients and mixing them together, the only other thing you have to do is saute onions. This is why this meatloaf recipe is such an easy one. It is perfect for any night of the week and can even be made ahead of time!

Simply mix the meat mixture together in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use. When you’re ready, uncover it and let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats. Form that log shape on a prepared pan and top it with the sauce right before baking.

Meatloaf vs Salisbury Steak

While you might think meatloaf and salisbury steak two are basically the same dish, they are definitely not my friends. Yes, the ingredients are mostly the same, but the differences are in way they are cooked and what is added to the top. Meatloaf is obviously formed into a loaf and either baked in a loaf pan or on baking sheet, in the oven. Meatloaf usually has a tomato (ketchup) spread or glaze added to the top. Salisbury Steak is cooked in skillet on the stove top in patties, and usually served with a brown mushroom gravy.

Meatloaf Recipe FAQ

What to Serve With Meatloaf

This Meatloaf recipe deserves to be served with the best side dishes. So I’ve rounded up a few that go perfectly with meatloaf.

• Mashed Potatoes – for a hearty comforting meal pair with mashed potatoes.
• Roasted Cauliflower – this is on the lighter side but is packed full of flavor.
• Vegetable Rice Pilaf – basically flavored rice with vegetables, for a healthy balanced meal.
• Classic Coleslaw with Homemade Coleslaw Dressing – you can’t go wrong with this amazing coleslaw recipe.
• 25+ side dishes to serve with meatloaf

Love Meatloaf? Try These Recipes

• Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak
• Turkey Meatloaf Florentine
• Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf

I know you’ll quickly see why this recipe has become a family favorite of mine! Add it to your monthly meal planning rotation! The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.