Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever is going to put an end to your hunt for the best meatloaf recipe in existence. Strong statement, I know. It’s something I can say with confidence. This classic, moist ground beef meatloaf is delicious with a brown sugar glaze that will leave your taste buds happy.
“You can’t go wrong with relatively simple comfort food. It’s also about ease. Some cook to impress. I cook for people to enjoy the food.” Al Roker
This is one of those recipes that you have never have enough of. There’s 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, he lost the ability to get up.
They took a picture of him, and he looked helpless and adorable at the same time – 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 you’re unable to stop – even when you know you’re already full?
This amazing meatloaf recipe is a dish you’re going to have to know that it’s one of those recipes before you get started.
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.
On my road trip through Montana, we stopped at a bakery cafe that had a meatloaf sandwich as the special. Yummmmmm…comfort food. I just love a delicious meatloaf recipe.
The restaurant that we went to had 4 1/2 star Yelp rating – so it seemed so promising.
The meatloaf was dry and bland. What a let-down! 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 got to fantasize about my famous recipe. As soon as I got home I zipped to the store and my craving was cured.
I realized that the rest of the world didn’t know that there was a brown sugar meatloaf recipe that put all others to shame.
Today I’m giving you my special recipe for meatloaf. That’s right…yummy, juicy and downright delicious meatloaf.
Turkey can be substituted for the ground beef and it tastes just as fabulous.
How long to cook meatloaf?
It depends how much ground beef you use and how high of oven temperature you bake the meatloaf at. This meatloaf recipe has 2 lbs of ground beef, so it takes between 1 – 1 1/4 hours at 350 degrees.
What’s in the secret meatloaf sauce?
The meatloaf glaze in this recipe has three ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Those ingredients makes the best meatloaf topping I think.
How long does meatloaf last in the refrigerator?
If you properly store your cooked meatloaf, it will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can you freeze meatloaf?
Yes, you can. When properly stored, cooked meatloaf will last 3-4 months in the freezer.
Creating a Cozy Life Group:
Since you love to cook, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 12,000 like-minded souls.
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How to Make the Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever:
Easy Meatloaf 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
Instructions for How to Make The Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) In a small bowl, mix the three ingredients for the ketchup mix (ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce) together and set aside.
3) In a separate large bowl mix together the beef, 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. (Did you know they have pans designed for draining grease and lifting out the meat easily? Me neither. You can find them here.
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.
Here’s Printable Version of How to Make Meatloaf:
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.
We’ve reached the end of The Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever. I hope you enjoyed it.
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Let me know in the comments below how you liked this Simple Meatloaf Recipe.
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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
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
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!
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