THE BEST Meatloaf Recipe in the WORLD!!
The Best Easy Meatloaf Recipe Ever is going to put an end to your search for the ultimate comfort food classic. Bold claim? Absolutely – but it’s one I can make confidence. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of tender, juicy texture, rich savory flavor, and that irresistible caramelized glaze on top.
The Best Meatloaf in the World
If you’re looking for more ground beef recipes, How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup and Salt Encrusted Prime Rib are the perfect recipes to try.
Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or prepping leftovers for the week, this meatloaf is simple to make, foolproof every time, and guaranteed to become the recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
This classic, moist ground beef meatloaf is delicious with a brown sugar glaze that will leave your taste buds happy. It’s a recipe you can never get enough of – you’ll be dreaming about this comfort food. There are never any leftovers.
In our cozy living group, I shared a photograph and story about a possum that broke into a bakery in Australia. He gorged himself on jelly pastries all night.
In the morning, he was found in a corner, unable to move. His belly was so round that he lost the ability to get up.
They took a picture of him, and he looked helpless and adorable simultaneously – with his face and paws covered in sticky jam.
What does that story have to do with meatloaf? Everything.
You know when you start eating something, and cannot stop – even when you know you’re already full?
This juicy meatloaf recipe is one of those irresistible dishes. You know you have to pace yourself, otherwise there won’t be any leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches.
You don’t have to believe me, just read all the comments I’ve received over the last couple of years. Then try it yourself. This perfect balance of savory and sweet will make your taste buds happy.
On my road trip through Montana, we stopped at a bakery cafe that had a meatloaf sandwich as the special. I love a recipe for cheesy meatloaf.
The restaurant we went to had a 4 1/2 star Yelp rating, so it seemed so promising.
The meatloaf was dry and bland. What a letdown! This prompted me to crave my recipe for meatloaf because it’s, quite frankly, amazing.
Bold statement, I know. But I do have many supporters. When the topic of my meatloaf sandwich came up, my niece and nephew asked my sister why she didn’t make her delicious meatloaf anymore, because it was one of their favorite meals.
Yes, you read that right – her meatloaf. My sister is a notorious recipe poacher.
For the rest of the road trip, I fantasized about my recipe. As soon as I got home, I zipped to the store and cured my craving.
I realized that the rest of the world didn’t know there was a brown sugar meatloaf recipe with such a delicious flavor that put all others to shame.
Today I’m giving you my special recipe for classic meatloaf. That’s right…yummy, juicy, and downright delicious meatloaf.
What’s in the Secret Meatloaf Sauce?
The meatloaf glaze in this recipe has three ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. The combined ingredients make the best tangy glaze for meatloaf.
Creating a Cozy Life Group
Since you found this recipe for this traditional meatloaf recipe, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group, Creating a Cozy Life with over 214,000 like-minded souls.
It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.
Ingredients to Gather
- Ground beef – Provides the hearty, savory base and essential richness for the meatloaf.
- Eggs – Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Dried minced onion – Infuses flavor and a subtle sweetness without the sharp bite of fresh onion.
- Wheat crackers – Work as a filler, absorbing juices to keep the meatloaf tender and structured.
- Cheddar cheese – Adds a creamy, melty richness and boosts flavor depth.
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and other seasonings.
- Pepper – Brings a subtle heat and balance to the overall flavor.
- Ketchup – Provides tangy sweetness and moisture, especially when spread on top.
- Brown sugar – Balances the acidity of ketchup with a caramel-like sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the umami flavor and adds a savory complexity.
Simple Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs
1/4 cup dried minced onion
2/3 cup wheat crackers
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) In a small bowl, mix the three ingredients for the ketchup mixture (ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce) together and set aside.
3) In a separate large bowl blend together the ground meat, eggs, dried onions, crushed wheat crackers, shredded cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/2 of the ketchup mix.
4) Press meat mixture in a loaf pan. You can use plastic wrap to form your loaf shape.
5) Put the remaining half of the ketchup mix on top of the meatloaf.
6) Bake the meatloaf at 350 degrees for 1 – 1 1/4 hours.
Tips
- Turkey can be substituted for ground beef, which tastes just as fabulous. Adding a combination of ground pork and lean ground beef also tastes delicious.
- You can serve this ultimate comfort food with green beans, mashed potatoes, carrots, or apple sauce for a great meal.
- Check the meatloaf after an hour of cook time.
- You can add garlic powder or onion powder to the meatloaf mix for more flavor.
- Let your meatloaf sit for 10 minutes to ensure clean slices.
- Plain bread crumbs can be substituted for wheat crackers.
Storage
If you properly store your leftover meatloaf, it will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
When properly stored in an airtight container, cooked meatloaf will last 3-4 months in the freezer. Make individual slices before freezing for best results.
Meatloaf Toolbox
- Meatloaf pan with life inserts – makes it easy to drain fat and lift the loaf out.
- Digital meat thermometer – ensures perfectly cooked meatloaf every time.
- Mixing bowls with lids – for combining meat and storing leftovers.
- Vintage-style serving platter – adds a homestyle touch to the dinner table.
- Meal prep containers – for storing leftovers or freezing slices.
Tell me in the comments below how you liked this Easy Cheesy Meatloaf Recipe.
Make sure you join our Creating a Cozy Life Facebook group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!
I created a pin for this meatloaf to add to your food Pinterest board so you can refer back to the recipe.
You can follow me here on PINTEREST.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you found us!
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Old-Fashioned Skillet Ham Steak Recipe
- Beefy Cabbage Soup
- Best Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib
- BBQ Spaghetti Recipe
- The Best Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix
Printable Recipe Card with Nutritional Information
Most Delicious Meatloaf Recipe Ever
This is one of those perfect recipes you've been searching for, but thought deep, down in your heart that it didn't exist. It does. This is the best meatloaf recipe ever. I pinky swear.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup dried minced onions
- 2/3 cup wheat crackers
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, mix the three ingredients for the ketchup mix (ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce) together and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, mix together the ground beef, eggs, dried onions, crushed wheat crackers, shredded cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and half of the ketchup mix.
- Press the meat mixture in a loaf pan.
- Put the remaining half of the ketchup mix on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf for 1 - 1 1/4 hours.
Notes
Tips
Turkey can be substituted for ground beef, which tastes just as fabulous. Adding a combination of ground pork and lean ground beef also tastes delicious.
You can serve this ultimate comfort food with green beans, mashed potatoes, carrots, or apple sauce for a great meal.
Check the meatloaf after an hour of cook time.
You can add garlic powder or onion powder to the meatloaf mix for more flavor.
Let your meatloaf sit for 10 minutes to ensure clean slices.
Plain bread crumbs can be substituted for wheat crackers.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 494Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 158mgSodium 698mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 1gSugar 22gProtein 36g
Sounds delicious, going to try!!
Thanks Christine for the comment. Let me know how you like it!
I made this for dinner, it was really delicious. Since I live alone I cut the ingredients in half, still had plenty left over. I’ll be making this again for sure!
Hi Patty! I’m so glad you tried it. It is addicting, isn’t it? Thanks for commenting! Kelly
that’s what I’m doing, how long did it cook for?
I make this pretty much the same way except I don’t use organic stuff or green grass fed cow. Tastes just as good. I mean, organic is fine but why fix something that isn’t broke?!
Hi Dren! Thanks for commenting. I always buy organic grass fed meat because it’s better for you and for the animal. Kelly
What are wheat crackers? Like plain wheat thins?
I think plain Wheat Thins would work. I used Carr’s whole wheat crackers. Let me know how you like it! 🙂
I will for sure! Thanks Kelly!
Oh my gosh! This really is the best meatloaf!! I have made it several times and love it more each time!!
Making this now I used Ritz whole wheat crackers and added 1/2 cup sweet baby rays bbq sauce because I ranout of ketchup will see how it taste..
Hi Whit! Oh BBQ sauce might be good! Let me know how it turns out! Kelly
I’m going to try hubby makes that face he doesn’t like meatloaf I’ve always loved meatloaf but hadn’t had it in the last 25 years but this has made me hungry for some the heck with him but who knows he might like this one
Hi Patricia! If there is a meatloaf that a non-meatloaf lover would like – it’s this one! I hope it’s a success….
Kelly
Hello I am excited to try your recipe out tonight! My family loves meatloaf thanks for sharing!
Hello April! Let me know how you like it! Kelly
I don’t have crackers what else can I use?
I would try bread crumbs if you have them. I hope that helps. Kelly
I used the bread crumbs and this turned out great! one of the best meatloaves I have made.
Thank you
@Tina, I use ground up cheese crackers (the little fish kind.) The meatloaf is always a hit, but you can use any crackers
Do you even know what makes beef “organic?!” Why use “organic” if you’re using the other processed ingredients in your recipe? Makes no sense!
True. I will revise the recipe. – Kelly
This is the only meatloaf I will ever make from now til eternity! So good and so easy to make! The next batch is going in the smoker!
Thank you TLee for the compliment. I’m glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂 You made my day!
Kelly
Gonna give this a try tonight. If you set your meat loaf on top of a couple of slices of bread, it soaks up the grease!
Hi Mary! That’s a good idea – I never heard of that. Let me know how you like it! Kelly
I used extra lean ground had no grease
Looks like a great recipe; reminds me of my mom’s so much! Actually though, I like a touch of grease in my meatloaf. It just adds a bit of a southern blend to all the contents. I’ve actually made my mom’s meatloaf for the fabulous sandwiches with lots of Hellman’s Mayo!
Hello Gary! Don’t you just love a great recipe – especially if it’s your mom’s! I love meatloaf sandwiches. Now I’m hungry!
I sometimes make it one day and instead of eating it hot, I wait till the next day. Cold meatloaf sandwiches are my favorite
Hello Patty! Isn’t cold meatloaf the best? Love it. Thanks for letting me know. Kelly
Going to try it let you know how we like it
Hi Donna! I can’t wait to hear how you like it. – Kelly
Sounds delicious trying it out tonight after bible class.
Hi Daneka! Let me know how you like it! 🙂 Kelly
Really good and moist did add saute onion and Bell pepper
Thanks Susie for the comment! Onions and bell peppers make a good addition! Kelly
I’m going to use ground turkey. It’s a stretch but family prefers GT. Will add green peppers & onion. More to come
Hi Jacquie! Using ground turkey tastes just as fabulous. My family does it all the time. Let me know how you like it! Kelly
If I were to freeze a meatloaf, would a completely bake it first or freeze it raw?
Hi Alisha!
You could do either way. Just make sure you defrost the meatloaf in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking. 🙂 Kelly
Has anyone tried it with ground turkey?
Hi Matt! I have tried it and my sister will only make it with ground turkey. I hope you enjoy it!
I cooked this tonight but I didn’t add the sauce with the W. I am not familiar with that product. How ever I just want to say it smells delicious! I can’t wait to taste it!
Hi Cha! I can’t wait to hear how you liked it. You will love Worcestershire sauce – give a try! Kelly
Worcestershire adds a little zing of beefiness if there is such a word lol! Going to make it for company tomorrow night. ?
I can’t wait to hear how you liked it Bonnie! I love, love, love Worcestershire sauce. It’s so delicious!
About to put in the oven as I type – excited to try this out! Also used some BBQ sauce (didn’t want to run out of ketchup – my little one is really into hot dogs with “dipping sauce” right now). Will let you know how it turns out!
Hi Megs! I’m excited for you. You will love this! Kelly
Making this tonight, all the kids are coming over for dinner so I’ll let you know how we liked it.
Hi Kit! This is great – you will get lots of opinions! Can’t wait to hear! Kelly
Well 6 out of 6 agree, it’s a winner!!
Yay! I’m so glad you liked it Kit. Kelly
Made this tonight. Smelled so good, I couldn’t wait to try it. Got rave reviews from the whole family. Finally a meatloaf that all enjoy!
Thank you Sarah for commenting! I love to hear that everyone loved it – even the picky eaters. Kelly
I seen your meat loaf recipe on pinterest and i can’t wait to try it. I have tried several recipes but they were not what i expected, I am excited about trying your recipe.
Hi Bonnie! This one is good, never fear. I have tried recipe after recipe of things that everyone says are amazing, but they fall short. This recipe doesn’t! Kelly
10 out of 10. When i first saw the post i couldnt stop thinking about it. Made it tonight and i cant wait to make it again!! Lol
Hi Jean! I’m so happy you loved it. Thank you so much for commenting. – Kelly
I am making this for dinner tonight, can’t wait. Hubby is a big meatloaf lover, uses leftovers for sandwiches.
Hi Sandy! Let me know how you like it. I don’t think you’ll have leftovers though!! 🙂 Kelly
Had saved this pin a couple of weeks ago and finally got around to making it last night. We loved it, and the leftover meatloaf grilled cheese sandwiches today were so good. Tried many recipes over the years and finally have a winner! Thank you
Hello Robert! I’m so glad you loved it as much as me. Thank you so much for letting me know! Kelly
I am using 3 pounds of meat. Should I add more of the other ingredients? Also I don’t have dried onions? Can I substitute onion powder, if so how much?
Hello Holly! Yes, you add more ingredients. Let’s say its 1 cup of ketchup you would do 1 1/2. I would use 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
Thanks, Kelly
I’m giving this a shot tonight! My hummus favorite meal is meatloaf and this will be the first time cooking for him! Wish me luck!
Hunnys * lol not hummas
Hello Becca! Let me know how it turns out! Kelly
I always take and tear slices of bread in half and lay them on the sides of my meatloaf…it soaks the grease up terrifically! And by the way, this recipe is simple and wonderful!!
Hello Beverly! Thanks for writing in. Wow great idea about the bread slices. Thanks again. Kelly
This is the third time I’ve made this meatloaf in the last two months. Needless to say my family loves it.
Hello Rhonda! Wow! That’s a compliment. I’m so glad you love it. Thanks for writing in. Kelly
I’m having a guest for dinner tomorrow and wanted to make some delicious comfort food. I have several good meatloaf recipes, but can’t wait to try this one. The reviews are fabulous. Will let you know how it goes.
Hello Cookie! You will not be disappointed. Let me know what they thought! Kelly
The best meatloaf ever. I made this tonight for supper after reading the reviews. My late husband loved my meatloaf which used so many more ingredients. I personally like your recipe more because it’s much easier to prepare and so tasty. Thank you for sharing. Meatloaf sandwiches for a week! Woohoo!!!
Hello Linda! I’m so glad you liked it. Meatloaf sandwiches are the best. I’m sorry about your husband’s passing. That must be hard. I’m glad you had wonderful memories together. Many blessings to you. Kelly
Do you do anything special to turn it into a sandwich? Specific toppings or a special bread? I love meatloaf and have been trying different sandwich twists lately.
Hi Lyndsay! No, I just like to lightly toast my bread and add ketchup. Pretty easy. Kelly
My meatloaf special pan arrived today so winner winner Kelly’s meatloaf dinner…. today !! ?
Yay!!! I’m so glad you tried it! Thanks for writing in. Kelly
It has 10 minutes left in the oven, it smells great! Can’t wait to eat it. Thank you!
Hello Jodi! I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for writing in. Kelly
Made this tonight and it was a big hit! Even the pickiest people in my family enjoyed it. Not a single leftover! Thanks for an easy and delicious recipe!
Hello Shanda! I’m so happy your entire family loved it. Thanks for writing in. Kelly
This recipe looks like it’s the bomb! Can’t wait to try! Is the cheese necessary, or can I replace with an alternative?
Hello Donna! It is the bomb! Several people have made the recipe without the cheese and still loved it. Let me know how you like it! Kelly
This was hands down the BEST meatloaf I’ve ever had!! Everybody loved it. The only alteration I made was using 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground pork it was fantastic! Also used breadcrumbs instead of the crackers since that’s what I had at home. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!!
Hello Kerra! Thank you so much for letting me know. This is one recipe I KNOW is great! I’m glad your family loved it! Kelly
I can’t wait to try this tonight! I’m going to use 1 lb hamburger and 1 lb pork sausage..I love that this doesn’t call for oatmeal. I’m so excited!
Hello Laura! I hope you liked it! It’s definitely my favorite. Kelly
My hubby drives a semi, so he’s gone all week. This sounds so good, and something different for him in his lunch cooler! Looking forward to making him smile!!
Hello Mary! Let me know how he likes it! Kelly
Is the cheese a really big deal in making this moist and yummy? I’m lactose and this recipe sounds SO good! Would you sub anything else in or just cut the cheese out?
Hello Eryn! I never had it without the cheese, but I still think it will be good without it. Kelly
It was fabulous without it! I’m sure it’s great with too but for those who can’t have the cheese try it without! Thank you, this is going into our regular rotation!
This looks SO good! I’m going to add this to our meal plan this week! Thank you–I haven’t ever found a meatloaf recipe I like, and I have a feeling this one will be perfect!
Hello Heidi! You will love this one. Everyone loves it! Comfort food at it’s finest. Kelly
We are trying this tonight! My mom is allergic to raw peppers and onions so I was trying to find a recipe that would be safe for her to eat! Never had a meatloaf with cheese it and super excited about the addition!! Still has 30 min to go and my house smells amazing! Can’t wait until it is done. We are limited in our small town with all the organic stuff, so we are just using regular.
Hello Jessica! Now I’m dying to know how you liked it. Regular is fine too! Can’t wait to hear. Kelly
Do you cover pan with foil while baking or leave open? Thank you!
Hello Lindsay! You leave it open. Thanks, Kelly
This turned out amazing, made it tonight! Super moist and my husband and son both loved it.
Hi! Could you make this with bread crumbs instead of the crackers? Also, how much salt and pepper do you recommend? This looks delicious!
Hello Kim! You could make this with bread crumbs. I haven’t tried it – but its really about the same. I would use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. Thanks for writing in! Kelly
I just found this recipe on Pinterest. It is seriously THE MOST DELICIOUS MEATLOAF EVER! I used Italian breadcrumbs instead of crackers because I had it on hand. To cook faster, I scooped it into muffin tins. It made 18 mini meatloaf muffins. I baked for 30 min on 350. They taste so good! I will definitely use this recipe from now on!
That’s a great idea – doing mini muffins! I’m so glad you loved it Marissa! Try my Hungarian Mushroom Soup and my Ham Steak recipe too – they are both super popular. Kelly
I love this recipe! Finally found one that I really like and I didn’t screw up! Lol! Moist, tasty… For me, I would add just a little less brown sugar, but that’s simply a matter of personal taste, and I used Ritz crackers. This is a fabulous recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Hello Kim! Thanks for writing in and letting me know! I’m so glad it worked out for you. Kelly
This was delicious! And was mother in law approved 😁. I only used 1 egg and used equal parts ketchup and bbq sauce (sweet baby ray). Oh and I used plain breadcrumbs. Made mashed potatoes for side and we couldn’t stop eating. This is going in the dinner rotation. Thank you
Hello Angie! I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you so much for letting me know. Kelly
I am soooo excited to try this! My fiancé told me he likes meatloaf (totally didn’t know he did!) so I was on a search for a good recipe and found this one! going to the store this weekend to buy the ingredients 🙂 two questions! If i can’t find dried minced onion what should i use? fresh onion that i just chop? or onion powder?? also, I’ve never heard of a meatloaf that uses cheddar. I have always seen mozzarella cheese used. is there a reason you use cheddar instead?
Hello! You can used chopped onion that would work. Because cheddar makes this amazing. But…I bet mozzarella would be good too! Kelly
This was excellent. Used Ritz and fresh onion because that’s what I had, with 1 lb hamburger and 1 lb elk. Family loved it, the entire thing is gone without leftovers. This will be my new go-to meatloaf recipe! Thanks!
Hello Amanda! I’m so glad you loved it! Yep, it’s a winner. I love those kind of recipes. Kelly
I saw someone used ritz crackers . Can I use regular instead of wheat ?
Hello Shannon! Yes, you can. Let me know how you like it. Kelly
Hi there! Planning on making tomorrow night, never made meatloaf before! I’m only using 1lb beef since it’s just me…. How long should I cook it?? Thank you!
I would say between 50-60 minutes. Let me know how you like it! Kelly
In the oven now, I used honey wheat ritz. I’m not a huge fan of meatloaf but the other half is. We will see
This is the best meatloaf I’ve ever had. It is the only recipe we use now. Thank you so much for posting it!!
I”m so glad you loved it so much. Thanks for letting me know. Kelly
Tasted delicious but took way longer than 1 & 1/4 hour. It was also very mushy/didn’t hold together when sliced even after letting it set for 15 minutes out of the oven. I will try it again and hope for better results as the flavors were there.
Vicki it could be your oven or your altitude that is causing the delay in the meatloaf being cooked. Kelly
Great recipe, but even better with veggies added (sweated in minimal olive oil) —onions, carrots, celery—all diced. Even a touch of rosemary is good. Substitute the crackers with cooked barley—still moist and tasty!
Hello Fran! Great idea to add veggies to the meatloaf. Kelly
Making this rite now inthe oven .I will let you know how it was
I hope you liked it Tracy! Kelly
It was yummy and didnt fall apart as I seen in some of the comments .even have left overs for tonite supper
I’m so glad you liked it Tracy. Thanks for letting me know. Kelly
It was yummy and didnt fall apart as I seen in some of the comments .even have left overs for tonite supper
AB.SO.LUTE.LY the best meatloaf I’ve ever eaten! This will be the only recipe I ever use. The simplicity of it and traditional taste alone make it a MUST TRY! I highly recommend this meatloaf recipe!
Hello Emilie! I’m so happy to hear it! Thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate it! Kelly
Tried this a few years ago and swear by it! Don’t make it any other way!! Thank you for sharing!
Hello Ashley! So glad you love it too. Thank you for letting me know. Kelly
Thanks excellent recipe
Hello Patrick! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for letting me know! Kelly
LOVE this recipe! Have used it for several years now and I swear by it! Thank you for sharing it!! Won’t make it any other way!
Hello Ashley! Wow! You made my night. I really appreciate the feedback. Kelly
This is the best meatloaf ever, I love the sweetness it has. I will never make any other kind of meatloaf.
Hello Janet! I’m so glad you loved the recipe. Thank you for letting me know. – Kelly
I almost didn’t make this recipe because I thought, it seems too simple to be good. However, when I got to the store, I realized I didn’t want to cook down onions and do all sorts of prep work to make meatloaf and decided to stick with this recipe. I’m happy I did because it turned out to be so much better than I anticipated. So much so, that I’m thinking about turning these into meatballs for a holiday appetizer. Have any suggestions on how to make sure these turn out right when flipped into meatball form?
What a great idea Susan! I will try experimenting with a new recipe. I love that idea. Kelly
Best meatloaf ever. Mixed half ketchup an half barbeque sauce. Have it a little kick. Will make aagain.
Hello Joe! I’m so glad you love the meatloaf! You’re right, it is! Thanks for letting me know. Kelly
What wheat cracker do you use?
You can literally use any wheat cracker you find in the grocery store. I usually buy Brenton crackers. – Kelly
I dont use cheese and prefer real onions chopped fine. I like to add a little splash of milk. It keeps it from being dry with the crackers. If I’m wanting alittle something different I put Italian seasoning and garlic in the mix. But the best cooks add lots of love!!!
Great ideas Jenni! – Kelly
This was an epic fail for me. It tasted good but fell apart, would not slice. I did mix it in the morning, put it in the fridge, for about 5 hours . Maybe I put too much sauce in it? I may heat it tomorrow and put it on buns like sloppy Joes.
I’ve never heard another comment about it falling apart – it may have too much sauce. Let me know if you make it again and what happened. – Kelly
We tried this for the first time a few months ago and both my husband and I loved it. I had such a strong craving that even though I HATE touching raw meat, I made it anyways. I added onion powder, garlic, (1/2tsp ea) and basil (tsp) and subbed breadcrumbs. It was absolutely delicious. My husband loved it SO much he was eating leftovers for a few days. Normally when I cook he might eat it 2 meals before he “gets tired of it” and then I am left to finish it. We throw away a lot of food because of that. Not this meat loaf though. I had to make him promise to leave me the last piece.
Hello Trystan! I’m so happy you loved the recipe. I’ve been making my dog’s food for two weeks and meat is starting to make me queasy! But this recipe is worth powering through. Thank you for letting me know.
Do you cover the meatloaf with foil while cooking?
Hello Jocelyn! No, I don’t. – Kelly
My daughter in law gave me this recipe and is the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve made a lot! ha Thank you so much!!!
You are very welcome Donna! Thank you for letting me know. – Kelly
Finally a meatloaf recipe without bell peppers or celery! This whole time I thought I was crazy for feeling they don’t belong. I made it exactly as written and yum…..thank you thank you thank you…oh, my big family enjoyed it as well …2 teenaged boys and a grown daughter as well as myself, my husband and his mother. This is now a part of our rotation.
Hello Jaime! I’m so glad you loved the recipe. I appreciate you letting me know. – Kelly
What kind of “wheat crackers”? More info, please.
Hi Jennifer! I used Back to Nature – but you can use any brand. You can also use multi-grain crackers too. – Kelly
We added some fresh mushrooms to it and Just put in the oven!! My son and I can’t wait to try it!!!
Let me know how you like it Christy! Yum, mushrooms sound delicious. – Kelly
I will try this recipe
Let me know how you like it! Thanks, Kelly
My husband always complains my meatloaf is not flavorful enough! Used your recipe last night and he said after 2 bites “This one is a keeper!”
He even had a slice with his egg sandwich instead of ham this morning for breakfast!
Thanks for a winner!
Wow! What a compliment! I’m so glad he loved the recipe. Thank you so much for letting me know. – Kelly
Great meatloaf! My husband loves it. I’m not a meatloaf fan, but I’ll be making this from now on. I used onion soup mix and regular bread crumbs. Also I put it on 2 slices of bead and it helped absorb some of the fat. Thanks!!
You are very welcome Rose! I’m so glad you loved the meatloaf recipe. I appreciate you letting me know. – Kelly
I use ritz crackers. Came out sooo delicious!!!
Yay! I’m so glad you loved the recipe Berna. Thank you for letting me know. – Kelly
I won with this recipe!! my neighborhood had a Meatloaf Cookoff dinner, with blind testing. I won by a landslide even thought I don’t (or anyone else) consider myself a cook. I made it exactly as the recipe reads. I am pretty sure it annoyed the real cooks in the Cookoff. It really is the best meatloaf recipe!
Your comment made me laugh out loud! I absolutely love it. Thank you for letting me know. – Kelly
Throwing all other recipes away..finally found the one that hits the mark. No pictures due to being devoured. Thank you 🤤
I’m so happy you loved the recipe! Being devoured is a good sign. Thank you so much for letting me know. – Kelly
I have made so many different meatloaves that I couldn’t remember where I have gotten all of the recipes! This is the one thing that I make that someone always has an opinion about! I guess you can’t please them all! I sure do try 🥰
I find that most meatloaves don’t have much flavor and are dry. Even in fancy restaurants. This recipe is perfect. I hope you enjoy it! – Kelly
I tried this recipe and IT REALLY IS the BEST meatloaf recipe. I followed the recipe exactly and my very, very picky husband was amazed and said “that was the best meatloaf I ever had”. I had to agree — it was amazing. Thank you for the recipe. My husband and I have only been married for one year so I was hoping to get some credit for a good meal — this one did it !!!!!
I love your comment! I appreciate you letting me know. Try my Hungarian Mushroom Soup recipe and my White Chicken Chili Recipe. They are both amazing. – Kelly
I am so excited to try this!!! Been craving meatloaf and meatloaf sandwiches!!! I’ve been searching and reading dozens of recipes comparing… this has the fewest ingredients and seems it will be perfect! Texture is a big one for me with meatloaf, it has to have enough binder to be smoothish – not really soft and meaty, if you know what I mean! 😂 I’m going to make it this next weekend! Thank you for sharing this surprisingly simple and exciting recipe. LOVE that there is no chopping involved!!!
Let me know how you liked it when you make it. – Kelly
I make this recipe at least twice a month. It is great: meatloaf is not dry, does not fall apart, and is very tasty!
I’m so glad you like the recipe Caroline! I appreciate you letting me know. – Kelly
Why dried onions and if I don’t have these, can I used fresh?
Hi Cynthia! Dried onions will give the meatloaf a different flavor and texture. You can use fresh onions too. Make sure they are minced. – Kelly
I didn’t feel the cheese was necessary. Didn’t add much to it while I was eating it, but it was still a good recipe.
I’m glad you liked the recipe Steph! Thank you for letting me know. – Kelly
No milk ?? Hmmm
No milk! Let me know if you try it. – Kelly
Why use wheat crackers?
It works as a binding agent in the meatloaf. You can substitute gluten-free crackers if you like. – Kelly
Hi Kelly, I’ve been making meatloaf very close to this for over 45 years, but decided it took too long in a loaf pan. Instead, I press it into a 9×13 pretty evenly, then I use a silicone or metal spatula to wiggle slice it lengthwise in half or thirds, then 3-4 x across. Depending on how big your slices of bread are for sandwiches later on. Wiggle spatula just enough so meat edges aren’t touching (much). Spoon on however much sauce per your taste, on to each square & spread with spoon back. Here’s the greatest part…It cooks in 30 minutes @350! It’s already sliced the size you need for a hubby size sandwich. Save any remaining sauce to add to your bread, but I like horsey sauce on my sandwich to compliment the brown sugar sweetness.
That’s a great idea! I’ll have to try doing that. – Kelly
I just found your wonderful sounding meatloaf recipe. Question: The photo of the meatloaf does not look as though it was baked in a loaf pan but rather it had been hand formed into a loaf on a sheet pan. I am 79 and have cooked for many years. I ask because how it is baked will make a huge difference in texture and in moisture content. HELP!
Hi Barbara! Yes, the photo was hand formed. You can put it in a pan and it will taste the same. I do it both ways. Let me know how you like it! – Kelly
Hey just what my husband’s been asking for thatnks very easy and delicious, don’t miss this one is definitely a keeper.
I’m so glad you loved the recipe and letting me know. I appreciate it! – Kelly