There's nothing quite as comforting as a slice of tender, juicy meatloaf topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. This classic dish has earned its spot at the dinner table for generations, and for good reason—it's hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.

I still remember the first time I perfected this recipe. It was a rainy evening, and I was looking for a way to recreate the cozy dinners my grandmother used to make. The secret? The irresistible glaze that takes this meatloaf from good to extraordinary. Let me show you how to make it step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with a meatloaf recipe that's as simple as it is satisfying. Here's why it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

First, it's incredibly easy to make. Even if you're new to cooking, this recipe guides you through each step to ensure success. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a little prep time.

The flavor is unbeatable. The combination of ground meat, perfectly balanced seasonings, and the show-stopping glaze makes every bite delicious. It’s the kind of meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Plus, it's versatile and family-friendly. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a crowd, this recipe adapts easily. You can tweak the seasonings, swap out ingredients, or make mini meatloaves for individual servings.

Finally, the leftovers are amazing. Meatloaf sandwiches, anyone? This dish reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this meatloaf recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

Ground Meat: A mix of ground beef and ground pork works best for this recipe. The beef provides robust flavor, while the pork adds moisture. If you prefer, you can use just one type of meat or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Breadcrumbs: These bind the meat together and give the meatloaf its structure. Panko or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are great choices for added texture and flavor.
Eggs: Acting as another binder, eggs help hold everything together. Use large, room-temperature eggs for the best results.
Milk: A splash of milk keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy. You can substitute broth or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Seasonings: Onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper create a savory base. You can add dried herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
The Glaze: This simple mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of mustard strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding a glossy finish to the meatloaf.

No special equipment is required—just a mixing bowl and a baking dish. For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

How To Make This Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Creating the perfect meatloaf is easier than you think. Follow these steps for foolproof results every time:

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Use your hands to mix everything gently but thoroughly—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf. Smooth the top to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.
Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove it from the oven, brush the remaining glaze over the top, and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

The entire process takes about an hour, making it a great choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Storage Options

This meatloaf stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigeration: Place any leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the entire meatloaf or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative:

Spicy Meatloaf: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mix for some heat.
Cheesy Meatloaf: Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the meat mixture for a gooey, cheesy interior.
BBQ Glaze: Swap the ketchup in the glaze for your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
Vegetable Add-ins: Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated carrots can add flavor and nutrients.
Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.

Experiment with these variations to make this meatloaf your own—you can’t go wrong!

Warm, hearty, and full of flavor, this Easy Meatloaf Recipe with the Best Glaze is a timeless classic that's sure to win over your family and friends. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy!